2009 Leviathan, Proprietary Red, California.
Andy Erickson, winemaker at Dalla Valle, Favia and formerly of Screaming Eagle and Staglin, has many credits to his name and is one one Napa’s top winemakers, making lush and structured wines are his specialty. Leviathan is one of his own projects focusing on a unique cuvee that includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc in the blend. This vintage of Leviathan is almost equal parts of each, though this is the first year that Syrah played the biggest role, and everything comes together perfectly, making for a seamless rich wine with loads of fruit, spice and beautiful toasty wood notes. The nose starts with blueberry, chocolate, tobacco leaf, fig cake and sweet char before a full bodied palate of boysenberry, currants, cherry and plum fruits with vanilla and baking spices along with hints of pepper, licorice and lavender. The thick body is creamy with ultra smooth tannins, but there is zest and life from fresh acidity which holds the focus and gives life and balance. This is pure hedonistic pleasure and one that shows Erickson’s talent for blending and his refined touch, don’t miss this lavish and fun wine.
($50 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
Avail. at www.sfwtc.com ($47.95)