John Gabriel’s winemaking helped establish the Coyote Canyon Winery on the map in Prosser, Wash., and grower/rancher/owner Mike Andrews continues to honor the memory of a prized bull – Big John – with this reserve-tier H/H Estates brand. There’s classic maturity showing with aromas of Bing cherry, plum and cola with coffee, pipe tobacco, rose hips and black pepper from the Mourvèdre (10%). Inside, there’s a winning combination of cherry, dark plum and coffee flavors, supported by a structure featuring raspberry acidity ahead of currant-skin tannins at a medium level. The pleasing mouth feel leads to a long finish of spice and mint. It’s not showing its age, and suggested pairings include a dark chocolate dessert and – with apologies to Big John – grilled beef.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 171 cases
Alcohol: 14.3%
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