The beauty of a blend is that you can add a little of this, a little of that, mixing and melding to create something beautiful without following guidelines or assumptions, instead, revealing the story the winemaker, or the fruit, wants to tell. The “abstract” series from Napa Valley’s Goosecross Cellars is just this every year. It is an opportunity for Winemaker Bill Nancarrow to craft something completely unique while having some fun, consistently showcasing the estate’s premium fruit, embracing the story of the place it is grown.

The latest release, Goosecross “Branta” Red Blend ($65) (or black goose), melds 50% spicy Zinfandel with 41% powerful Petit Sirah, with about 9% Cabernet Sauvignon to round out the wine, giving structure and complexity to the textured, yet nicely approachable selection. Nancarrow’s use of French oak, aging the wine for 25 months, 20% new, allows the tannins to become fully incorporated and soften while keeping a bright freshness consistent throughout.  The resulting wine is diverse and layered, showing spice notes of nutmeg, star anise, and allspice, blackberry pie, dark chocolate-covered toffee, and black cherry.  Bold and juicy, without being over-bearing, a tasty wine to enjoy with slowly braised beef, roasted root vegetables, barbecued pork shoulder, or ribs. #Cheers!