Dutcher Crossing Winery, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) 2012

 A Rhône-style blend of 51% Grenache, 32% Mourvedre, 8% Cinsault, 4.5% Counoise and 4.5% Syrah, this shows lots of alluring smoky, spicy topnotes that lead into fruit flavors that show plenty of primary character but also some interestingly earthy undertones.  These include leathery, dusty accents that work very well with the red-toned fruit, which is so well balanced in terms of ripeness that it seems both generous and taut at once.  A platinum award winner at the Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.