A dense, dark wine is powerful yet elegant. Beautifully balanced with notes of blackberries, boysenberries, black cherries, and plummy notes, it’s highlighted with the racy notes of strawberry and raspberry. Interesting notes of smoke and spice weaved through it linger on the long finish. Quite delicious—though it’s early to be drinking this young vintage—it’s a great choice for an elegant meal of wild salmon, ahi, grilled lamb chops, or a filet mignon. It’s a good buy at $40 retail, and only $32 for wine club members at the tasting room on Hwy. 101 in Arroyo Grande.
This article appears in Jul 28 – Aug 4, 2011.