Region: Napa Valley, California

Vintage: 2006

Composition: 100% Syrah

History: One of California’s (perhaps the world’s) most flamboyant, talented, contrarian wine producers is Napa Valley’s Jayson Woodbridge, the owner of Hundred Acre winery. Woodbridge has been running in high gear since his debut 2000. His 100% Cabernet Sauvignons are made primarily by him, with some consulting advice from Philippe Melka.

Tasting Notes:

Deep garnet colored, the 2006 Ancient Way Vineyard Summer’s Vineyard reveals a provocative mélange of kirsch, plum pudding and blackberry tart scents with Chinese five spice, aniseed and wood smoke suggestions. Full-bodied and voluptuously fruited, with a wonderfully velvety texture, the palate is unabashedly seductive, finishing on a long-lingering aniseed note.