2008Acha2008 Mark Herold “Acha” California Red.
This Tempranillo, Graciano, Grenache, Carignan and Petite Sirah blend is Spanish influenced with a decidedly California soul shinning through, oh yes, it is super delicious and another interesting creation from famed winemaker Mark Herold. Herold is is well known for his powerfully rich Cabernet wines, but his unique personal line of wines like Flux and Acha are just as compelling and it some cases more intriguing, and certainly much less expensive, making them easier to open with a Tuesday night pizza or tapas. This wine based on the Rioja/Narrava concept (except for the small dose of Petite Sirah of course) is a dark and deep wine that seems to be coming into it’s own at the moment, it is really focused, charming and wonderfully drinkable with loads of blackberry, plum and creamy cherry fruit, exotic spices, tangy acidity and a long bright finish with hints of mineral, licorice, bitter coco, wild strawberry and dried flowers. The refined nature and smooth tannins show the attention to detail and quality in this fun wine that is seriously enjoyable that would be a perfect pairing for summer BBQ’s and or a lamb dish, drink now through 2020.
($40 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive

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