Brandlin Henry's Keep Proprietary Red

It opens with powerful aromas of black currant, plum preserve, and blueberry coulis interwoven with dark chocolate, violet, and crushed graphite. Fruit from 1,200-foot Mount Veeder slopes ripens slowly, building intense color and mountain-firm tannins while cool evenings lock in bright acidity. Twenty months in 75 % new French oak wrap the dense core with mocha, sweet tobacco, and warm baking-spice complexity. Layers of cassis, blackberry, and espresso unfurl across a broad palate before tightening into a long, mineral-savory finish that hints at cedar and dried herb. Decant for an hour now, or cellar confidently for 12 + years.

Food pairing: Pairs best with pepper-crusted rib-eye, rosemary lamb rack, wild-mushroom risotto, truffle burgers, aged Gouda, or 70 % dark-chocolate torte.