Those of you who have visited my cellar know it is ridiculously unorganized. I mean–EYE know where everything is (mostly), and there’s a *general* area for some things which have just coalesced over the years. I have a whole bunch of those racks Cost Plus used to sell–they still sell them, but they are unfinished, mine are stained wood. I have about 10 of them, plus some metal racks and of course stacked cardboard boxes everywhere. Each one of these racks are about 5 cases and categories have identified themselves into general areas from mere casual organization. A couple of them are Napa cab, one is all white, one is all Spanish, there’s on almost exclusively RRV, but ONE–and this is the real point of this story–clear in the back has become unofficially known as The Bullshit Rack. I travel back there occasionally when I’m bored and pull something out. Now, I know what you’re thinking. These are wines past their prime, maybe. Or all my Grocery Outlet wines. Or crap people gift me or leave at parties. Or cheap wines. Or samples. All of you would be wrong. Those of you who KNOW me, and this starts with the couple dozen who actually personally know my palate and drink with me, and also the rather large group of followers here who through internet magic have found a kindred spirit in how I think about wine: YOU ALL know INSTANTLY what is in The Bullshit Rack.

Black black impenetrable blackness, bricking heavily at the rim. Glossy, alcoholic nose screaming ripeness and briar and mushy banana. Slight gristle on intake, a charming bit of burn one could easily mistake for acid. Deep, deep dark “fruit” more clearly defined as mashed raisin with a brow-furrowing finish with chewy graininess the only redeeming factor. This is not a terrible wine, and I am surprised how well it has aged. It’s just not an evolved wine.

2013 BLACKBIRD VINEYARDS ‘Arise’ ME/Cab/CF 55/30/15 #napavalley 14.5