PASO ROBLES | CALIFORNIA | $40
Fruit forward with cherry and pomegranate dominating flashes of purple plum, nectarine and blackberry. Notes of wood, spice and chalk bring complexity. Finishes with prominent acidity. A bit brash at first, this big boy, but there’s substance here. Quite likable beyond a bracing introduction; he just needs some time to relax. Syrah, Mourvedre, Zinfandel and Grenache. A very good wine. (Reviewed 12/10/11)