SANTA BARBARA COUNTY | CALIFORNIA | $13
Shoe polish on the nose (yes…) yields to ripe red plum and black cherry with dried mushroom, cardamom, root beer and hints of tar. Approachable and unassuming in a comfortably rustic way. Light-medium bodied, smooth mouth feel and an easygoing 13.5% alcohol. This one arrives in well worn jeans when formal wear is better suited yet fits in without undue attention. A good wine. (Reviewed 1/25/12)