Starfield Vineyards, El Dorado (California) Aglianico 2016

 The Sierra Foothills area simply doesn’t get proper respect for its work with Italian varieties, and here’s a wine that makes that fact all the more a crime.  Spot-on varietal purity shines on the nose and in the mouth, with a touch of rustic charm adding pleasure to the proceedings.  Good tannic structure provides a finish that is long, fully integrated and has a supple grip that keeps the flavors coming.  Beef, please!  A Platinum Award winner at the 2019 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition.