The official story behind the name of this wine is that the vineyard where some of the grapes come from (“Jack Rabbit Flats”) used to be a popular “parking spot” for the locals looking to get a little something-something on a Saturday night. But no matter what the story behind it, I suspect “Conception” is better than the name they could have called it, ‘Kitchen Sink Red’, because it would seem winemaker Richie Roberts threw every conceivable (there’s that word again) grape into this blend: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Aglianico, Sangiovese and even 2% Chardonnay … it’s like the United Nations of wine – but unlike the U.N. all the members of this wine assembly get along. But seriously, this wine has some serious-chops (and might even pair well with chops), the nose is a hodge-podge of compatible smells: blackberry, white pepper, spices, black and red cherries, vanilla and cinnamon, and yet I feel there’s more in there waiting to come out over time. The taste is the same, showing some blackberries and cherries, loads of spice, minerals, good acidity with a chalky tannin backbone. This wine needs some time to come around because its only a baby, but when it does it’s gonna grow up to be a strappingly fine wine. The winery says 5 years to maturity, but I’d be willing to say it’s gotta a good 10 in front of it … which is nice for those who want to save it or start a cellar with it … and the price is right on too. Price: $19.00 – Rating: *****