Concentrated aromas of inky dark fruit hint at the rich flavors that follow. Although the wine needs time to open and reveal its true essence, it is worth the wait. The smooth, opulent texture offers a seamless blend of plum, blackberry, mocha and vanillin oak. Polished tannins and toasty oak frame the lush flavors and provide the structure for bottle aging, if you have the willpower to wait.

Gold Medal — 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition