Paraduxx, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley (California) 2016

 This winery was founded on the premise that not every red blend from the Napa Valley had to necessarily follow the Bordeaux model.  For its Howell Mountain Red, Paraduxx goes full Aussie with a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah that comes from the playbook of the great Australian red, Penfolds Grange.  The result is a blockbuster red with uncommon depth and richness yet beautifully structured for long-term cellaring.  Notes of blackberry, blueberry and leather dominate, with a whiff of lead pencil and oak vanillin.  Brilliantly done.