Benziger Family Winery, Sonoma Valley (California) 2011

This terrific blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 18% Malbec shows lovely deep color with impressive saturation of pigments, yet the aromatic and flavor signature of the wine impresses much more by its elegance and restraint than by sheer power.  Dark berry and black cherry fruit notes are quite pure and poised, with medium-plus body drawing structure from plenty of fine-grained tannin and a nice whiff of smoky oak that never intrudes on the lovely fruit.  Already very enjoyable with food, this will gain additional aromatic complexity with additional time in bottle-provided that you can manage to keep your hands off of it in the near term.  Platinum award winner at the 2014 San Diego International Wine Competition.