Sterling Vineyards SVR Reserve 2005

i tried this really nice blend recently with a spaghetti dinner. this blend has 78% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot, 2% petit verdot, and 2% petite sirah. the nose is blackberry, black cherry, black licorice, a little leather and earth. in a word, complex. on the palate, black cherry, dark chocolate/mocha, spice and a little leather. after a day, the finish changed a bit and i got more of a smokey flavor. all with nice firm tannins and a long, rich finish. this is not a wimpy red. great food wine that will work with paste, steak and a good stew. sells for about $30 and well worth the price.