Bella Grace Vineyards, Amador County (California) “1646 Red Blend” 2020 ($30)

Bella Grace has come up with a crowd-pleaser with this creative blended wine. The “1646” name is based on the elevation of the wine aging cave where this wine aged for 25 months in French oak (25% new). The blend consists of 40% Barbera from local vineyards and Zinfandel (30%), Primitivo (20%) and Petite Sirah (10%) from the family’s estate vineyard. Given its components, the wine is surprisingly vibrant, balanced, and harmonious with generous berry-cherry aromas. The mouthfeel is round and smooth with only a hint of tannin. It holds together and the berry flavors continue through the finish. This has some complexity, and is not simple, but simply delicious.
92 Norm Roby