Williams & Heim, North Coast (California) 2012

This is the second North Coast appellation bottle I’ve tasted this year that goes well beyond expectations.  The price will give you the first clue that this is not some generic blend of third or fourth tier fruit from assorted vineyards, and the wine in the glass confirms your suspicion that this is fruit carefully sourced and blended to bring forth a wine worthy of your cellar.  The classic Bordeaux markers are here — aromas of blackberry, currants, saddle, subtle spice, soft vanilla and a note of roasted coffee translate well on the palate, finishing long with lively acidity keeping things bright.  This will benefit from further bottle aging to soften the oak a bit.  To serve now, decant well and pair with a big prime rib.  Contains 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc.