SANTA BARBARA | CALIFORNIA | $38
Intense, jammy blackberry with notes of cocoa, root beer, charcoal, camphor and bay. A big, fruit-forward wine with a silky smooth texture and a long finish. Well balanced with the dense fruit easily a counterpoint to the 15% alcohol. A loud voice in the choir, so it’s best to pair it with an equally big-voiced umami-rich meal lest it overwhelm. An excellent wine. (Reviewed 4/16/11)
