Another gorgeous, deeply expressive wine, the 2009 Quella is showing beautifully. Mocha, plum, bittersweet chocolate and raspberry jam give the wine its sumptuous, up-front personality. Exotic, ripe and racy to the core, the 2009 is a true joy to taste today. Silky tannins add to the wine’s considerable appeal. This is an especially full-bodied, voluptuous wine with all of its elements in the right place.

(from an uplifted river bed near the Phelps winery): Good ruby-red. Nuanced aromas of blackberry, minerals, licorice and wild herbs; a bit more medicinal in character than the 2008 version. Quite closed and inexpressive following the recent bottling, but concentrated dark fruit flavors show a lovely light touch, with mineral and floral notes providing lift. Finishes with serious, toothdusting tannins that will require aging.