Before leaving to travel the world, award-winning winemaker Marcus Rafanelli got this lot from the Sauer family’s Les Vins de Marcoux started for Woodinville vintners Rod and Leslie Balsley. Former Northstar winemaker Noah Fox Reed skillfully has taken this to the finish line for another winner. It’s a dark, focused and youthful expression from one of the state’s oldest vineyards, offering aromas of dusty blueberry, Western service berry, cocoa powder, vanilla and baking spice. On the attack, it’s a bit darker and plush with blackberry and plum, framed by fine-grained tannins and delicious Marionberry acidity. That structure makes for a penetrating and long finish of purple fruit.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 290 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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