The Viszlay 2010 “Five Vines” Estate Red is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County. It’s plump, delicious, and reminiscent of a red Bordeaux. The aromatics are flat-out gorgeous. On the palate, a generous mix of black plum, berries, cocoa dust, beef jerky, and a clay-like grip reveal a wine that’s capable of cellaring well past 2020.

“Modeled after the Bordeaux style blends in the Bordeaux region of France, this full-bodied wine features fragrant aromas of dark fruit, tobacco, violet, savory spices, and fine French oak. On the palate, the flavors are generous with notes of blackberry, dark plum, blueberry, cassis, fresh herbs, chewy tannins, and a long smooth finish. For pairings, try this wine with rich cheeses, seared duck breast, pork chops with rosemary, braised short ribs, and rack of lamb. With food or by itself, think of this wine as a rare gem from Russian River Valley which pays dividends with every sip.”

93 points Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier and Wine Writer, January 2015