This is a powerful brute of a wine dressed in lace and finery. The nose smells like freshly-baked blackberry pie, with black fruit, pastry and vanilla aromas exploding out of the glass. The vanilla runs through the palate, as well, which is loaded with blackberry, mulberry, and blueberry. There is a firm backbone of fine-grained tannins. Fruit moves from sweet and ripe on the palate to tart and fresh on the finish. Drink with braised short ribs. Highly Recommended. 90 points. DBH
WHO: Murrieta’s Well
WHAT: 40% Petite Sirah, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Verdot, 8% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec
DESIGNATION: The Spur
WHERE: California, Livermore Valley
WHEN: 2013
HOW MUCH: $30 (media sample)