Medium ruby. Musky nose, riding on a brilliant rail of conifer and anise not completely obscuring the full round ripeness. Briar on 11, a nice new world barnyard, and a zesty peppery tar pulling all the cassis into an earthy stew of bouquet at once feeling far over its price-point and still feeling like the user-friendly blend it is.

Entry is a bitter beauty, fruit dripping on all sides, sweetness falling quickly to the expanse of acidic breadth and wet leather, black walnut and tea leaves. Tart while full and dankly cherry-ridden. Thick and coating–but without cloying concentration–it fades strongly into more sweet core where tannins are deftly doing their magic. What’s not to like about this affordable red blend with a fat chunk of Syrah from a masterful group of winemakers. A juicy, near flawless red blend.

2011 BUONCRISTIANI ‘O.P.C.’ Cab/SY/ME/Bec 52/22/11/15 Napa Valley 14.4

www.buonwine.com

And ANOTHER example of the crazy deals you find by subscribing to Last Bottle Wines