Dark ruby/garnet in color. Aromatic as the scent rises from the glass, red fruited with cherry bark aromas, cardamom spice, apple peel. Cola, fig and light scents of vanilla and toasty oak make for an intriguing blend of fragrances. On the palate, a burst of juiciness, mouth filling with a beeswax silkiness hinting at a Nocino like walnut flavor. Some herbiness balanced by oak and mulberry flavors. Delicious. A bit more on the masculine side but does not overlook the fact the wine has a late-night sexiness to it. Drinking nicely right now. A Valentine’s release for you and your favorite. Lost in love and passion! I would pair this wine with anise brined seared duck breast with a red cherry sauce over wild rice. Gold Medal at the 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Enjoy!
Nikolai

The wine showed a light ruby color. Cherry, raspberry, blackberry, currant, mossy earth and oak all arrived on the nose. Black cherry, raspberry, currant and vanilla created a lush palate followed by notes of blackberry and oak. The wine was medium-bodied and exhibited good length along with soft tannins. As Nik suggests, it would pair very well with anise brined seared duck breast with a red cherry sauce over wild rice.

The Nittany Epicurean
February 2026
nittanyepicurean

Harvest Dates, Clones and %:
August 19, 2021, Ritchie Vineyard Martini Clone, 66.5%
August 28, 2021, Corazon Ranch Vineyard, Clone 667, 33.5%
pH 3.59
T.A. 6.1g/L
13.3% Alcohol
Unfined and Unfiltered
Bottling date: May 15, 2023

198 cases produced.

Gold Medal Winner, 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition