Hendry 2004 Block 24 Primitivo (Napa Valley)

Country: US / Block 24
Variety: Primitivo California
Winery: Hendry / Napa Valley

This wine wears its 15.8% alcohol better than any similarly heady wine out there. Yes, it’s a bit hot, but the heat comes across as a slight chili pepper edge to the blackberry and dark unsweetened chocolate flavors, and the wine is, in its own way, balanced and elegant. Hard to imagine a more perfect barbecue red.