john chiarito is the first american to petition for the right to label his wine nero d'avola, a variety he grows just outside of the town of ukiah in eastern mendocino and a nod to his family's southern italian heritage (the grape is native to sicily). here he's made an outstandingly intriguing, rustic, big fruit, high-acid red that'll surprise you as it opens, very old world and definitely worth a try if you can find it. only 60 cases produced.
Estate Bottled