2006 Vezer La Salette

Tasted at a recent show of North American wines, this red blend stood out of the bottled crowd. Deep, opaque purple color shows off a nose of violets and dark chocolate and toast. Chewy and dense at first, it yields languorous blackberry and pepper flavors upheld by soft tannins and a nice sugar balance. A very nice yin and yang of velvet and strength. A great wine with winter dishes, especially a cassoulet. But it’s not just for winter, either. Pricey, but a keeper.

WHO: Vezer Family Vineyards
WHAT: Petite Sirah (65%), Zinfandel (35%)
WHERE: Suisun Valley, California
WHEN: 2006
HOW MUCH: $85 (Media sample)