Touted as the “best Trius Red” winemaker Craig McDonald has ever made (in all the literature) is a bit of a cheat because he’s only been there a few years, but let’s face facts, this is a beauty of a red wine from the iconic Trius Red line and might be one of the best ever. A blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (47% - which is a rarity itself) with Cabernet Franc (39%) and Merlot (at a mere 14%) – a 50/50 barrel split of French and American oak with 6 months separately aged then another 6 months together. Nose is black cherry with loads of cocoa and chocolate to lure one into that first sip. Palate is juicy with cassis, blackberry and other dark fruit notes pairing it all up with cocoa, smoke and vanilla … then there’s that great seam of acidity that balances it all out. Age a decade for sure, but enjoy one or two along the way, as this should evolve beautifully. Price: $22.95 – Rating: **** ½