Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Cut, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) 2016

 This is the single best wine I’ve tasted out of the “Director’s Cut” line from Francis Ford Coppola, with immense power but also excellent proportionality and balance.  The power is easily attributable to the blend, which certainly renders the winemaking team’s intentions transparent:  27% Malbec, 23% Syrah, 14% Petite Sirah, 13% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Zinfandel.  ‘Nuff said.  As for results, the wine’s appearance is deeply saturated and glass staining, with expressive aromas and deep flavors following suit.  “Full-bodied” goes without saying, but less obvious is the wine’s tenderness at its core, with oak and tannin providing framing but not extending into the wine’s inner softness.  Be sure to try this with robust food, but above all, be sure to try it.  A Double Gold Award winner at the 2019 Toast of the Coast International Wine Competition.