Murrietta's Well, 2003 Zarzuela, Livermore Valley, 14.2% a.b.v., MSRP $30.00: If this weren't such a polite group, I might be tempted to say something like, "I really enjoyed the hell out of this wine!!" It was kind of dark as Zari and I watched the last episode of our "North and South" marathon, so I couldn't really appreciate the color except to say that it displayed a lush red appearance opposite the flicker of the TV. The nose was briary-brambly with distinct accents of blackberry and black currant. The oak just faded politely into the background. The dark berry flavors with a hint of leather carried over to the palate. The mouthfeel was velvety and as soft as a good Merlot but more balanced with a solid but inobtrusive backbone. You'd never know that this wine was a 14.2%-er either. The bottle was an interesting blend of 43% Touriga Nacional, 40% Tempranillo, 10% Souzao, and 7% Touriga Francesca.
Oh, by the way, before any of you think I've fallen out of character by purchasing a wine which cost more than ten bucks, we got the bottle for free after an event at which Zari was working.