Sutton Cellars Carignane 1996

I first met Carl Sutton about a year ago at a tasting dinner at Maverick and immediately felt that I had met someone with a rare passion and knowledge of Sonoma wine, terroir, and winemaking. So naturally, when I saw this bottle at Premier Cru this summer, I had to pick it up. I'm not sure, but this must be one of Carl's first efforts and, if you can believe it...it was $4.99.

For those who haven't experienced Carl's wines. his style is unfiltered and the essence of fruit and terroir --powerful and aromatic.

Nose: The aromas of this wine linger long of fresh raspberries, anise, cardamon, and a touch of oak. It's super-clean with no hints of anything but pure old Carignane fruit. It sends me back to my visits to the Chateauneuf area, in Sablet --home to some great Carignane producers.

Flavor: Well, it's a couple of years past its prime, but still has enough to keep me very interested. There is substantial glycerin on the palate, but not a whole lot of fruit. There is still some dusty blueberry on the tongue, but it has faded a bit so the acid comes though more than it did originally, I'm sure.

This is the best $4.99 I have ever spent on a wine, full-stop.