An even split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah that spent 20 months in oak, the 2012 Companion is uber-ripe and pushes the edge with its hedonistic bouquet of blueberry, blackberry, menthol and charcoal. It is similarly styled on the palate and has full-bodied richness, a silky texture, ripe tannin and a good finish. The 2012 was the first vintage where Carl co-fermented the Syrah and Cabernet and I wonder how much that influenced the pick dates as the ripeness level here is just on the edge of overripe, and it lacks some character. Nevertheless, the wine making here is superb and this mouth filling effort will drink nicely for 4-6 years.