Naggiar Vineyards, Sierra Foothills (California) 2009

This wine is quite boldly oaked, yet the fruit is absolutely up to the challenge posed by the wood, and the finished product is exceptionally fine. The mid-palate and finish are slightly sweet, but there’s also a balancing spicy bite to the finish, and the overall sense lent by the wine is one of symmetry despite the fact that it is composed of very distinct and expressive elements. Even the packaging is beautiful, making this a wine that almost anyone would love to own or receive. Platinum Award winner at the 2013 San Diego International Wine Competition.