RAYMOND GENERATIONS 2008, Napa (ORGANIC)

That blackberry marmalade flavor really comes through, and I love how the fruit keeps it from feeling heavy despite the high alcohol. It's complex enough to sip on its own but pairs beautifully with a rich stew.

The alcohol warmth hits you right away but then the cassis and cocoa layers unfold so smoothly you forget it's 14.5%. Opened this with a simple steak dinner and the ripe fruit just kept coming.

That rich blackberry marmalade and cocoa combo hits immediately, but then the layers of cassis keep unfolding with each sip. The hefty alcohol is surprisingly well-hidden behind all that ripe fruit, making it dangerously easy to finish the bottle tonight.