Here’s an exemplar of bang for the buck. In tandem with classic grapefruit and passion fruit, fragrances of papaya, muskmelon, and fennel charm, while the juiciness of nectarine jibes with the mouthfeel, clean yet slightly creamy due to judicious lees contact; thyme and a dash of salt lift the finish.
With a Zinfandel-based profile, notes of bramble and fresh, ripe boysenberry signal a lively red with an outgoing personality. Redwood, licorice, and sweet basil season black plum pudding on the silky finish.
Notes of cured meats and beef broth tango with wild strawberry and coffee beans. Just-ripened black cherries show a sting of spice on the finish.
Spiced plums and clove-kissed strawberries are accented by cedar and roasted coffee. Tannins are supple, but the spicy character lingers.
Dripping with cherry-covered licorice and seasoned with tobacco and bramble, it is held up with cedar and saddle leather. Robust yet supple, this limited production red was aged for 23 months in 55% new French oak. The Battle Vineyard sits at the southern end of the Alexander Valley, with ample sun exposure, and according to the winery, the site possesses ideal soil structure.
While Cabernet Sauvignon leads the charge, the four other Bordeaux varieties are blended in, and the wine is aged in caves for 14 months. Bing cherries and cranberries are tart, with sweet tobacco and red tea. This is a well-priced, dignified red, with a woodsy finish amped by a fine acid structure.
Savory and earthy, wispy notes of cigar leaf lingering on the palate, accompanied by fig and Porcini mushroom. Seasoned with exotic incense and black tea, it offers an extended finish of spiced cedar.
Dense and tarry, with smashed black cherry and licorice taking the lead. A luxurious ride, with soy sauce, umami, and orange peel adding to a juicy finish, dotted with white pepper.