Navy pilots in the Douglas SBD Dauntless scout/dive bomber proved to be heroes at the Battle of Midway, an early turning point in World War II’s Pacific theater. The Miller family and their winemaker, Travis Maple, take a Right Bank Bordeaux angle with this approachable blend of Merlot (69%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) and Cabernet Franc (14%) from their historic Airport Ranch vineyard. Its nose offers a nice cross-section of fruit, spice and herbal notes with Bing cherry, sage, green bell pepper and bay rum. On the palate, there’s light notes from 25% new French oak and creaminess to the profile of black cherry and black currant before blueberry skins and boysenberry add some food-friendly assertion to the finish. Suggested pairings include Beef Wellington, holiday turkey, Beef Stroganoff with cremini and porcini mushrooms or a plate of cheese featuring brie or Colby.
Rating: Excellent, 91 points
Production: 627 cases
Alcohol 14.2%
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