Château La Croix des Lauriers
WHO: Whitehall Lane
WHAT: Red Blend
WHERE: California, Napa Valley
WHEN: 2010
HOW MUCH: $18
89 points, Palate Press (DBH): This interesting blend puts all the varietals in all the right places. Blackcurrant and blackberry on the nose come from the Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. They lead on the palate, too, with blackcurrant and black cherry in the lead and cocoa on the mid-palate. The Syrah comes on slowly, bits of blackberry under the other fruits at first, but shines through on the finish, adding lingering bacon fat and a hint of smoke. Tannins are grippy. Drink with a bison burger with carmelized onions. Recommended.