SONOMA COUNTY | CALIFORNIA | $34
Forward black cherry with dark berries and pomegranate accented with cedar, bay and allspice, and a wisp of wet clay. Slightly jammy, a touch gamey, but overall well-balanced, with prominent organic notes providing a sturdy cantilever and a lively acidic perk on the finish bringing buoyancy. While many in his class bulk up and prefer to pack a wallop, this bloke opts for a more cerebral path and delivers greater effect; can you hear it, “Ah, Grasshopper…”? A very good wine. (Reviewed 11/10/12)