By Zoltan Szabo

2007  Christian Moueix “Othello” Napa Valley, California $39.95 Vintages #0222166

Othello, the Moor of Venice is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. Winemaking is a form of art, capturing the essence of nature in the bottle. This was well accomplished here, done with old world flair and artistry. This is a medium to full bodied red with precise structure and balance. Almost shy, but in a really refined way, in need of some time to further develop and evolve. Currants, black raspberry, wet – scorched – Napa earth and herbs aromas and flavours and a great length. Moueix’s 2007 Napanook is also absolutely wonderful, fuller and more complex, yet with lots of charm, just like drinking grand cru left bank Bordeaux, for much less the price…Having said that, the California Wine Fair is just around the corner, make sure you attend it.

Read more of sommelier Zoltan Szabo at zoltanszabo.org and follow him at twitter.com/zoltanszabo.