The 2006 Wilderness Red Blend is a second label for declassified fruit. It is made up of 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Syrah, 14% Sangiovese, and 8% Petit Verdot sourced from 5 vineyards and was aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it exhibits an expressive, spicy, black fruit perfume that jumps from the glass. Racy, elegant, but a bit superficial on the palate, this tasty effort is a good value for drinking over the next 6-8 years.
Sparkman Cellars, located in Woodinville, was founded in 2004 by Christian Sparkman, his wife, and partners.
Tel. (425) 398-1045; www.sparkmancellars.com