03 Magnificent Wine Company, House Wine

Like a concentrated version of 2002 Lot 1, this is a juicer's worth of saddle leather, smoked blueberries, and peppered steak that hits with the intensity and clarity of some of Washington's better cabernets. The 03 also includes 31% merlot, 9% syrah, and 1% cab franc, but is ultimately focused on the earthy, sinewy, fleshy cab. If the dynamic flavors and robust aroma aren't enough, the structure of this wine -- especially for its youth -- sets its quality well beyond its price point. The acid is clean, and the tannins are aggressive enough for food, yet integrated enough for everyday sipping. Milky vanilla and spiced rum round out the finish.