Kongsgaard, Napa Valley The Fimasaurus 2017

Only 47 cases produced. This is a co-fermentation of about 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, coming from a neighbor’s vineyard that’s managed by the Kongsgaards. Readers may be interested to note that there is no 2018 Fimasaurus because the Cabernet sauvignon and Merlot did not ripen at the same time in 2018 and so couldn’t be fermented together. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 The Fimasaurus charges out of the gate with bold, expressive Black Forest cake, kirsch, black raspberries and lavender scents plus nuances of pencil shavings and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bright, energetic and refreshing with a firm backbone of grainy tannins and a good, long, earthy finish. This is a slightly atypical style for this label, which is usually bigger, richer and more powerful, but I love this expression too! Drink from 2020-2038. Reviewed by The Wine Advocate in Nov 2019.