2021 Hone #4 "Tonnage"
Elk Mountain Vineyard — Upper Lake Valley
47.3% Touriga Nacional
28.8% Tinta Madiera
12.9% Souzão
11.0% Tinta Cao

The most recent Hone series is a decidedly against the grain cofermentation of four Portuguese red grapes that would typically be used to build the backbone of a traditional fortified wine. But this wine is anything but traditional. The nose is welcoming and plush, anchored by soft blueberry and apricot cushioned by soft brown vibrations:  leather, pencil shavings, baking spice and vanilla pudding. The palate shows more racy character: the fruit leans more towards cherry and ripe plum and midpalate through finish pivot around a bracing acidity. The risk of low-alcohol, high-acidity wines is that they feel narrow and "centered up" on your palate because they lack roundness and complexity. This wine is broad, with juicy and a lot of warmth—which is special for a wine like this.

More than anything, this wine is fun. And a lot of that fun character will fade with time. Nonetheless, it will age well for 5-10 years, but if I were you I'd board this party boat soon.