Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Old Vines Touriga Nacional 2013, Fox Hill Vineyard, Mendocino County, California

Tasting Note: A Portuguese grape finds a welcome home in California and in this bottle that is filled with plush, floral-and-black-fruit flavors.

Medium-to-deep-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic-and-floral, medium-plus-intensity nose of black plum, pomegranate, boysenberry, red cherry, hibiscus, blossom and raspberry.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-intensity Touriga Nacional delivers silky, medium-plus-intensity flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity, and smooth, ripe, medium-intensity tannin.

There are some notes of chocolate on the medium-plus finish.

Complexity abounds on the midpalate, and there is balance between the fruit and tannin structure.

It almost reminds me of Alicante Bouschet.

Chill and enjoy on the porch as I’m doing this evening and pairing this wine with steak.

Bottle Note: Often this Portuguese wonder is associated with notes of blue flowers, blueberries, and black tea. The floral notes have been likened to the scent of purple violet blossoms, sometimes in high concentration, and the aroma can be quite Boucher Garden-like. Rich, dark, big tannins thicken on the palate reminding of its fullness. A contradiction of dusty, leather-bound books meets Willy Wonka’s everlasting blueberry and boysenberry. Lively shades of graphite and mocha, followed by hints of citrus peel abound on the fresh minerally finish. Pair with anything from Teriyaki to duck cassoulet, sausage and beans, to prime rib. Only 4 barrels made.