Benevolent Neglect, Counoise, North Coast, California, USA 2018

Two blocks of Counoise – one planted in the 1920s, the other in the 1970s – are fermented and matured separately (10 months in old oak) before blending one month ahead of bottling. This is a heady, fruit-forward wine with a steely backbone and redcurrant jelly tang. Clove and pepper spice offer a kick on the finish.