The 2010 Cali red comes to us from Anchorage's newest micro wine wholesaler, Veritas. It's absolutely great to see educated entrepreneurs out there bringing us wines of style, depth and value. Veritas specializes in dirt-to-bottle, family-owned wines. Mannina Cellars produces this red blend from select vineyards in the Walla Walla area of Washington. The nose is timid at first, but with a little coaxing it releases a menthol/mint humidity that puts it soundly in the cabernet range. Very nice considering it is 51 percent cabernet, 42 percent merlot and 7 percent sangiovese. In the mouth one gets lipid black cherry fruits, a firm acid and a black tannic edge. A lovely steak wine. Costs about $20.
-- Michael McVittie reviews wines available locally
Michael McVittie