At a wine dinner last night, this was one of a number of wines I didn't pay adequate attention to. David Bueker very kindly sent me home with the leftovers - a substantial amount too - which I'm enjoying right now in front of a good game of cricket (David Lole may disagree with that last bit, as the Aussies are reeling, and as New Zealand's taking part
). But onto the wine. If this was served blind to me, I wouldn't have a clue that it was Californian. This has the flavour profile I'd expect in an older Northern Rhone with a sauvage character dominated by aged leather, earth and gamey notes with black cherry, plum and olives underneath. The fruit still feels very youthful and there's plenty of structure evident with decent acidity and chewy tannins on the back end. Long, earthy finish that just shows a hint of alcohol (it's 14.5% and is poking its head out a little bit now and then). The richness of fruit and structure gives me the impression this will drink well for some time yet, but right now it's very tasty, delicious on its own and with some grilled chicken and fajitas.