Vinca Minor, Bates Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains

EYE: decanted clear; sediment of a volume and consistency I associate with the good old days of Cali Cab—heaping teaspoon, much of it fused to the glass. Cyanin polymer. The color of the pour itself is inky and bright with red/blue. NOSE: leading appropriately with dill doobie, yielding quickly to minced currants and licorice/cacao/chicory. Adjustment and time bring lazy morphemes of cherry cordial, gravel, boot, and sweet birch. MOUTH: sumptuous, fleet entry of labrador blueberry extract, tea sap, lingonberry, mulled …

Paso, Sub $13 on shelf. Good gateway drug according to Susie for Cabernet. Fruit and palate is solid. 4 bears stands for his 4 kids.