Fresh mission fig, wild sagebrush, sweet farm stand strawberry. Crushed pomegranate, red pepper flakes, boysenberry compote. An unabashedly plump and expressive parade of blueberry, blood plum, and cherry pie filling struts with ripe and succulent swagger while notes of bramble, thyme, and tobacco contribute intriguing layers of herbal and natural charms. Hints of desert rose, cactus blossom, and bougainvillea gently materialize to expose wafts of arid floral character that enhance aromatics alongside interesting spice tones of paprika, vanilla, and clove. Impressions of asphalt, granite, and petrichor reveal pleasant rocky and earthy leanings while suggestions of barbequed pork belly and leather provide lightly meaty and rustic enchantment. Impressively generous, powerful, and multidimensional on the palate while remaining wonderfully well balanced despite its richness; exhibiting a rugged yet nicely polished presentation that brilliantly marries ripe fruit with a plethora of savory non-fruit flavors. Full bodied with moderate tannin backed by medium acidity. This 2019 Shake Ridge Ranch Vineyard Red by T-Vine Winery is a unique and terroir expressive red from Amador County.

Located in the foothills of California's imposing Sierra Nevada Mountains, Amador County is a historic yet still largely under-the-radar winegrowing region capable of producing deliciously rugged and robust wine. This bottling, crafted by T-Vine Winery using an undisclosed blend of Zinfandel/Primitivo/Petite Sirah grown at the Shake Ridge Ranch Vineyard in Amador County, is an outstanding example of the irresistibly untamed character that makes wine from the Sierra Foothills so special. This generously radiates a range of ripe red, blue, and black fruits that playfully collide with brambly herbal tones, wild floral notes, rocky earthiness, and intriguing spice. The succulence of the fruit here is already quite seductive and is ready to enjoy immediately, although this should easily hold well for a half-decade or more. Exceptional.