Sosie, Moon Mountain District (Sonoma County, California) 2017

 Despite its 14.5 percent stated-alcohol, Sosie (pronounced so-zee) is fresh and lively, not overdone at all.  Paradoxically, there’s almost a lovely austere character to it.  Firm, not hard, tannins frame its racy red fruit flavors.  Mineral-like notes — you can almost taste the volcanic soil — and a pleasing hint of bitterness in the finish adds to its allure.  This Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Merlot (37%) and Cabernet Franc holds up nicely the next day, which indicates to me it should develop nicely with additional bottle age.  But that should not prevent you from drinking it now, because it goes very well with grilled lamb chops.  Its only problem is the tennis elbow you’ll get from lifting and pouring this 1.8 lb bottle, which is 50 percent heavier than one from Bordeaux.