Smith-Madrone Vineyards and Winery, Cook’s Flat Reserve 2016, Spring Mountain District, Napa, California

Tasting Note: There are red blends and then there are “red blends”; and this is the enviable latter.

Deep-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of blackberry, bramble, dried mushroom, black plum, leather, red currant, black cherry and violet blossom.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied red blend has medium-plus-intensity, black-fruit flavors with a hints of leather supported by medium acidity and velvety, medium-plus tannin.

Midpalate complexity abounds with subtlety of flavor and nuance.

The red blend you bring to a dinner party that will please you and the crowd.

Bottle Note: No. 1,358 of 1,560.

This wine was submitted for review.