Wild blackberry, worn leather, dark cherry pit. Red delicious apple, wild herbs, black licorice. A marvelously complex and concentrated eruption of blueberry, fig, and dark plum booms with dense yet delightfully juicy intensity as complicating impressions of bramble, anise, and sage contribute waves of incredibly captivating herbal character. Notes of sea salt, crushed rocks, and limestone playfully expose compelling earthy undercurrents that gracefully intersect with subtle and slightly woody floral tones of orchard blossom and bougainvillea. A faint glimmer of cinnamon provides a delicate reflection of barrel treatment that tastefully allows the tightly-wound and intriguing fruit profile to shine. Notably deep and rich on the palate while remaining remarkably restrained and well balanced; exhibiting an unconventional and serious presentation that is fiercely grippy and structured yet still deliciously fresh. Medium-plus in body with pronounced tannin backed by elevated acidity. This 2019 Lagrein by Pelletiere Estate is a unique and exciting red from the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles.

Native to the scenic foothills of Northern Italy where it is known for the deeply colored red wine it produces, Lagrein is an esoteric yet unquestionably extraordinary grape variety unique for its ability to produce intense levels of natural extraction while maintaining outstanding freshness and acidity. This bottling, crafted by Pelletiere Estate using Lagrein grown at their boutique Willow Creek District property, proves that this uncommon grape can achieve surprising success in the limestone-ridden hills of Paso. This broods with a dense yet lively dark-fruited core laden with brambly herbal notes, stony earthiness, and plenty of savory charms. It is enjoyable today for those who enjoy youthful power and structure, yet it will easily age and improve in bottle for at least 5-10 years. Exceptional.