Stina’s Cellars 2010 Millennium Vineyards Baco Noir, Washington, $18

Tacoma-area winemaker Perry Preston continues his spicy relationship with this variety and Millennium Vineyard south of Chehalis, Wash. Baco Noir’s roots began in the late 1800s with French researcher Francois Baco, who developed this phylloxera-resistant variety by crossing a high-acid French white grape — Folle Blanche — with an unknown American red variety. Here’s a solid example of the variety, which features tones of black currant, pomegranate and Western serviceberry, with undertones of moist earth, sandalwood and toasted oak. Pair with strongly flavored meats such as lamb and elk or grilled hamburgers.

Rating: Recommended

Production: 59 cases

Alcohol: 12%

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