For the Avalon 2009 California selection, Winemaker Alex Cose chose coastal vineyards stretching the length of California for this wine. Grapes from Mendocino, Lodi, Santa Barbara and Paso Robles were selected and comprise over 90 percent of the blend. A small amount of Alexander Valley Merlot grapes also made it into this year’s blend.

The 2009 vintage shows a big red ruby color. Aromas of red and black cherries and fleshy plums fill the glass. Oak aging adds a touch of vanilla and pie crust while also adding mouth feel and texture to the wine. The wine drinks of cherry tart, raspberries and boysenberry jam. Alex notes that this vintage has “good freshness” and “good acid”. The wine shows integrated tannins with mid-palate grip and a silky berry finish. In a nutshell, it’s a juicy fruit forward wine with a great finish.