2012 Nalle "Henderlong Ranch" Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

I am a huge fan of Nalle's Zinfandel bottlings...and am a huge fan of Cabernet/Merlot blends in general. When we went to taste at Nalle and meet up with Andrew Nalle, he poured this for us and I was so excited to see our buyer bring it in! In the classic Nalle style, the wine is restrained and elegant for a Cab/Merlot. Bright blackberry & raspberry flavors provide the back drop for the pop and pizzazz on the palate. But again, the Nalle family wants to bring the wine to the family table, to enjoy alongside of a meal, so the punch and drag is not over the top or abrasive. This wine saw 50% new oak for about four to five months, with the neutral wood being introduced first, prior to the new. The finish is long and elegant. Grab these gems while they're here.