Woodinville boutique producer Charlie Auclair takes the right course with this Right Bank Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot (65%), Cabernet Franc (33%), Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot from the vineyard founded by the late Fred Artz, one of the trailblazers on Red Mountain. The substantial influence of new French oak (50%) creates bold aromas of hickory-smoked bacon and coconut, which are followed by bodacious flavors of plum, blackberry milkshake and cherry skin. There’s a fair bit of grip, the thumbprint of many Red Mountain reds, yet that sweet purple fruit sticks in along for the long and extravagant finish.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 100 cases
Alcohol: 14.3%
Thanks for the kind words!