2007 Kenneth Volk Vineyards Santa Maria Cuvee, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, CA

[wondersofwine]

14.6% alcohol. $32 at Dean and Deluca in Charlotte. Served at church fundraiser, my Wine of the Night. I took home about 1/3 bottle and finished it over the next two days. Deep purple color; opaque. Dark cherry and dark plum on nose and palate. Smooth drinking and showing fruit and some depth. Aged in French and Hungarian oak. Not as fresh on the third evening.

Both this and the less expensive Hob Nob Pinot Noir (from France) went well with smoked Gouda cheese.