Aromas of dark chocolate covered cherries and freshly-ground espresso explode from the glass. Black fruit leads on the palate, blackberry and black raspberry, with sweeter cherry making an appearance on the mid-palate. Leafy herbs, coffee, and unsweetened chocolate run through the fruit. Tannins are rigid in this still-young wine. This layered, juicy wine is priced like a daily drinker but built for the cellar. Give it five years then drink with lamb chops. Highly Recommended. 90 points. DBH
WHO: Dry Creek Vineyard
WHAT: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
WHEN: 2014
WHERE: Dry Creek Valley, California
HOW MUCH: $26 (media sample)
POINTS: