Vinos Paoloni, Guadalupe Valley (Baja California, Mexico) 2020

 Operating since 1997 and offering many wines under the Montefiore label, the family uses the Paoloni name for a series of limited production wines from the estate vineyard.  Though grown by a few others, this is the only 100% Montepulciano wine made in Mexico.  The compact, efficient winery is set up to process the juice and wine by gravity flow in its underground cellars.  This wine was aged 18 months in one year old small French oak.  Deep garnet in color the wine offers cherry aromatics along with boysenberry and light oak.  Medium bodied, it is rich and concentrated, and yet the black cherry notes are vibrant and carry through into the finish.  With good acidity noted in the aftertaste, this is a beautifully balanced wine overall.  Yes, it is pricey, and yes, it is delicious.