The nose bursts with notes of ripe strawberries and freshly crushed anise seed. The wine is luscious and silky with flavors of ripe peaches, blackberries and ground cinnamon. There is great intensity and a richness on the palate with polished tannins and a lengthy finish.
Enjoy this wine with short ribs browned in the pan and braised with red wine, beef stock and tomatoes. Serve with your best mashed potatoes and a hint of freshly grated horseradish.
The overall cooler temperature, courtesy of marine influenced air that flows up the Petaluma Gap from the south and up the Russian River from the west, creates significant diurnal swings, up to 55°F. This phenomenon prolongs hang time, which allows for a steady accumulation of ripe fruit flavors, aromatic intensity and phenolic (tannin) ripeness.
