2019 Daou Reserve Seventeen Forty

94 Savory aromas of toasted walnuts, charred meat and dark berries make for a very savory impression on the nose of this blend of 51% Cabernet Franc and 49% Merlot. The tannins are expertly polished and land with a smooth coating, embracing flavors of roasted fruit, cocoa, fig and roasted almonds, with a delicate hit of acidity popping on the finish. — Matt Kettmann