A concentrated wine, yielding ripe flavors of blackberry and dark plum, cocoa and mocha as well as savory notes of bark. Full-bodied and rich on the palate with polished, integrated tannins and excellent structure. The finish is long. If able, open it 30 minutes earlier to allow the wine's structure to integrate and shine.

This wine is importer's David Bowler- owned brand. The guiding hand behind it is that of Reed Renaudin, who not only works with established vineyards in some of the best-known California appellations, but also locates remarkable fruit from lesser-known locations. The name of the producer is a secret, but the grapes come from a 35-acre family vineyard that has produced outstanding wine for years. Its vines are over 10 years old and represent a mix of clones suited to the local volcanic soil.

The fruit is harvested manually by seasoned workers who pick only fully ripe clusters. These are gently crushed to provide a little juice to start the fermentation, which takes place in steel tanks. Before the wine is fermented to full dryness, it is racked to oak barrels to finish. The wine ages in barrel for 14 months, with occasional racking to rid it of sediment and expose it to oxygen to help its maturation. This minimalist approach allows the grapes to shine.

Cheese, Grilled preparations, Hearty stew, Lamb, Mexican, Mushrooms, Pizza, Pork, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Tomato Sauce, Vegetables, Wild Game