Albert Mathier et Fils, Assemblage Noir 2011, Valais, Switzerland

Tasting Note: Amphora-aged wines take a little time to get used to.

Ruby in color, this wine has a nose of smoky, red fruit. Fruit is not at the center of the aroma profile which is overwhelmed by secondary, amphora-maturation effects.

Fruit is subdued and overpowered by a muskiness that characterizes many-an-amphora-aged wine, but there is an undercurrent of red cherry.

On the palate the wine is dry, medium-plus bodied with ripe, fermented-fruit flavors.

A really interesting wine you might also incorporate into a vinaigrette.