The 2016 Leviathan offers slightly more purity but is largely cut from the same cloth as the 2015, boasting a deep purple color, tons of blue fruits, some tobacco and earthy notes, and a layered, ripe, sexy, incredibly delicious style. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it keep even longer.

94+ From winemaker Andy Erickson, the 2016 Leviathan is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot aged in 25% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with exuberant black cherries, black raspberries and blackcurrants with hints of pencil shavings, black pepper, tobacco and forest floor plus a waft of tapenade. Full, firm and grainy, with gorgeous mid-palate generosity and packed with layers of black fruit and savory sparks, it has a rock-solid frame of ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long. Approachable now yet structured to cellar, this seriously affordable, serious California blend should age 15-20 years or more. About 8,000 cases available. - LPB

Soft and juicy red with blackberries, dried fruit and hints of spices. Full and layered with very pretty flavors. Hints of walnuts and tobacco at the finish. Some firmness and tension gives this interest. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, syrah and merlot. Drink now.