Alexander Valley Vineyards, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) 2017

 This offers a lot of fun for not a lot of money, based on an interesting balance of firmer, dark fruit notes and softer, juicier red impressions.  Some toasty oak is also in evidence, but by dint of sheer exuberance, the fruit wins out.  Built from 48% Merlot, 20% Zinfandel, 11% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Syrah, this is a crowd pleaser.  A Double Gold Award winner at the 2019 Toast of the Coast International Wine Competition.