2018 Aurelia Cellars North Coast, California Winemaker's Reserve Red Wine

Much like a plethora of colors on the palette adds to a painter’s possibilities, the number of grape varieties available creates innumerable palate-pleasing opportunities for a vintner. And when those grapes are grown in a variety of soils and climates, the possibilities are seemingly endless.

It makes sense that Aurelia Cellars’ red blend is called the “Winemaker’s Reserve,” because it truly is a winemaker’s cuvee — the result of blending four grape varieties grown primarily in four American Viticultural Areas, with splashes from a few other Golden State regions.

The wine begins with a base of Merlot, which is blended with about half as much Syrah and smaller amounts of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. California’s Mendocino County, Lake County, Knights Valley and Alexander Valley all contributed fruit. The finished product is big, rich and full-bodied — a true piece of art in a wine bottle.