2014 CS “Velvety”

It’s substantial, ripe with blue and red fruits and framed by oaky spice. But it’s the wine’s velvety texture, not its flavor profile, that grabs me. The voluptuous, ripe tannins hit first, followed by a sluice of juicy acidity, and finally, at the finish, there’s a dusting of pencil shavings and tea. An admirable California Cabernet at a good price. Pair it with roasts and game, rich gratins, aged sheep and cow’s milk cheeses, cured meats.