Matanzas Creek Winery, Sonoma County (California) 2012

 This is a big wine in every sense, including the price, the amount of alcohol (14.5%), the excessive weight of the bottle, and — most important — the wine’s delightfully robust tastes and textures.  In this Bordeaux-style blend of red grapes (dominated by Merlot) you’ll find complex and generous flavors of blackberry and dark cherry, plus hints of spice and a touch of chocolate.  The tannins are satisfyingly plump and the finish lingers pleasantly on.