Crème de cassis, garden mint, juicy red plum. Raspberry preserves, ground hazelnut, black cherry liqueur. Extracted eruptions of dense and decadent fruit led by chocolate covered strawberry, black currant, and boysenberry pie lead a magnificently outgoing and concentrated attack further enhanced in opulence by notes of licorice, menthol, and mocha. Hints of anise and cedar swiftly emerge to provide intriguing natural underpinnings as wafts of crushed rose, lavender, and red hydrangeas simultaneously impart subtle floral overtones. Suggestions of iron, volcanic soil, crushed red pepper, and paprika chime in to present earthy and savory influences playfully juxtaposed against vanilla, cinnamon, clove, and a range of beautiful baking spices. Temptingly rich, sexy, and seductive on the palate while remaining thoroughly deep, muscular, and serious; exhibiting terrific tartness and energy within a presentation proudly driven by boldness and brawn. Full in body with powerful grippy tannin kept fresh by balanced acidity. This 2018 Proprietary Red Wine by Patland Estate Vineyards is a wonderfully polished and luxurious red from Napa Valley.

While most old world winegrowing regions are governed by specific laws dictating which grapes can and can't go into their regional blends, California has no such limitations and allows for producers to get creative when shaping their wines. This bottling, crafted by Patland Estate Vineyards using 54% Cabernet Sauvignon/22% Syrah/14% Malbec/10% Petite Verdot sourced from within Napa Valley, showcases a terrifically fun and modern expression of Napa's legendary terroir. This wine gleefully emits a range of richly concentrated black and red fruits bolstered by warm baking spices, chocolate and coffee tones, mild herbal charm, and just a pinch of earthines. Although youthful and fruit-driven at this stage this is already drinking remarkably well, and will be even better after another 3-5 years in bottle. Well done.