August Ridge Vineyards, Paso Robles (Central Coast, California) 2009

 This interesting blend of 62% Sangiovese, 18% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon shows impressive complexity–especially in aromatic terms–which is attributable in part to its relative maturity as a current release from 2009.  Leather and tobacco leaf scents (and palate undertones also) work very well with the core of dark cherry and berry fruit, which retains some primary freshness of flavor while showing alluring textural softness.  Despite all of the wine’s maturity and softness, it also shows some vibrancy on account of fresh acidity, so it is far from played out at this stage.