2009 Leviathan California Red Blend

Don't dismiss this wine just because it doesn't have the word "Napa" on the label. In fact, this wine is head and shoulders above any red you can get from Napa at this price. Why? Because its made by former Screaming Eagle winemaker Andy Erickson, that's why.

Andy likes to say that this wine started as a secret, side project in 2004 ... and then somehow turned into a beast. It's made from secret vineyard sources, as well as from components that didn't quite make the cut for Andy's much more expensive Favia wines. And from a taste standpoint, it's in the same league as so many of Andy's other wines. From the monster 2009 vintage, this is a red you could stick in your cellar for at least two or three years before you open it (and it'll develop for at least another decade, easily). But there's no need to wait; with a brief decanting, it unleashes serious hedonistic pleasure right off the bat. Make sure you have plenty of monster-red-wine-loving friends and some giant, Fred Flintstone-sized, juicy steaks on hand.

While Leviathan is always constructed from the same four varieties, the composition of the wine changes each year; for 2009 it's roughly equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah – a juggernaut of a red. Appropriately, this wine will take no mercy on you or your palate -- and I mean that in the best possible way.

Yes, Andy is known for his single-vineyard wines. He's constrained by the borders of the vineyard for each wine he creates, normally. But for Leviathan, he's like an artist who's free to paint everything beyond the edge of the canvas: The floor, the walls, the ceiling, the people, you name it. And while this wine is a different beast from Andy's normal terroir-driven wines, he shines completely with this style of winemaking. See for yourself – you'll be left speechless.

Tasting Note
This is a rich full wine with a vibrant texture. Black with a ruby rim in color, the wine immediately impresses with the nose, dominated by notes of boysenberry, bittersweet chocolate, licorice, roasting coffee and spice. After 20 minutes, I found aromas of espresso, with an intense mineral tone, cracked peppercorn and shiso leaves. The palate's succulent notes of red currant, cassis and dark cherry will lure you in, followed by a smooth and decadent finish with hints of raw cacao, cigar box, nutmeg and bramble pie. The wine has great symmetry, energetic acidity and assertive, sexy oak. This is a textbook Andy Erickson red, exemplary of his blending skill. It's a hedonistic delight today, and it will gain even more complexity with bottle age. Invite your nearest and dearest, and prepare those Fred Flintstone-sized juicy steaks, alongside with a salad of mixed greens, figs and blue cheese crumbles. (14.5% ABV)

—Punky Mahle

Punky Mahle has more than 15 years of experience in the wine and food industries, most recently with luxury resorts. Before joining Lot18 as a Napa/Sonoma Wine Specialist, Punky was a sommelier with The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz., and the wine director for the Ritz Carlton in Phoenix. Punky currently lives, works and plays in Napa Valley. She’s thrilled to share her backyard with Lot18 members and be able to bring the region’s most exciting wines to the community. Learn more about Punky here, or follow her on Twitter: @punkytime