2016 Miro Cellars Reserve Ponzo Vineyard Red Wine

Tasting Notes

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: This is a new wine for Miro Cellars, made from an old vineyard near Healdsburg. It’s a true field blend from part of the Russian River Valley Ponzo Vineyard which was interplanted with Carignane, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. The grapes were weighed separately, then fermented together in the old tradition. Winemaker Miro Tcholakov is known for his mastery of crafting excellent blends by hand (and by nose and palate), so this antiquated method is a bit of a departure for him.

This wine is deep ruby in color, with purple at the heart of the wine glass. Ponzo Vineyard had a distinct aromatic character that comes through clear as a bell with scents of wildflowers, Morello cherries, ripe plums and a suggestion of black tea with cream. The first sip has a lively acidity that quickly mellows in your mouth to disclose appetizing plum and dark cherry flavors accented with wild berries, toasty pie crust, and an evenly interlaced tannin and black pepper finish. A mouthwatering melting quality makes each successive mouthful more velvety and delicious. This wine is fun to explore since it has so many layers of complexity.

2016 Miro Cellars Reserve Red Wine is sensational with holiday fare like bacon-wrapped roast turkey and garlicky herbed stuffing, or marvelous with thin slices of room-temperature Manchego and fresh figs.