13.1% ABV. For California this is pretty earthy/funky on the floral, expressive nose; blackberry and black cherry scents are fascinating when combined with flaky pie crust, wet moss, light licorice and orange and black tea scents. Pure as fuck, this beauty seamlessly coats the palate with dark, tart cherry, cherry skin, toast, dark earth and blackberry flavors. Finishes dry and crisp with bright acidity carrying the blackberry, pie crust, tea, leather and wet earth flavors. Head-shaking delicious, and the best California wine I’ve tasted in years. Kudos Hirsch Vineyards! $69.99
Sonoma
2014 Angels & Cowboys Rosé Sonoma County
Light strawberry and cherry scents with a hint of minerals and sunshine. Bright and clean on the palate with juicy cherry, strawberry seed and a briary wildflower note. Finishes bone dry with juicy, mouthwatering cherry and mineral flavors lingering. This wine shocked me. If I had tasted it blind I would have guessed Provence, France except for the California sunshine shining through. Clean, crisp, delicious Cali rosé… and I’ve rarely said that. Really pretty wine. Enjoy.
2014 Valravn Old Vine Zinfandel Sonoma County
Warm black cherry, plum and spice scents with hints of cocoa and black pepper. Sleek and pure on the palate with a clean orange-laced acidity supporting the scent flavors. The mouthwatering, dry finish shows great style and finesse. Damn tasty Zin, and a great price too. $19.99