Edge Hill Red Blend Mixed Blacks Napa Valley 2003

“This is an extraordinary field blend of fruit from relatively young vines. Sadly, there are only 100 cases produced, and the vineyard, which is near the famed Hayne Vineyard in St. Helena, is capable of doing remarkable things. The 2003 Mixed Blacks is composed of 50% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Sirah, and the rest Mourvedre, Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, and Alicante Bouchet. A superb effort, it was aged completely in French oak, of which 25% was new. Its black color is accompanied by a beautiful bouquet of flowers, creosote, blackberries, blueberries, and white flowers. Huge and rich with tremendous purity as well as an Asian spice/incense-like character and a remarkable finish, this impeccably well-balanced blockbuster should drink well for 5-7 years. What a shame there is not more of this great wine made by winemaker Charles Thomas from a vineyard owned by Leslie Rudd.”