Buoncristiani OPC Proprietary Red

Buoncristiani O.P.C. 2018 is a Napa Valley proprietary red blend from California: 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah, 18% Malbec and 16% Merlot. O.P.C. stands for Ol' Pa's Cuvée, a nod to the brothers' grandfather. Grapes come from well-known Napa vineyards such as Hyde and Stagecoach. It opens with red cherry, raspberry, rose and spice over firm tannins, and improves with a few years in bottle. Delivered across Ontario.

The producer

The Buoncristiani brothers founded their family winery in Napa Valley in 1999 and do everything themselves, from vineyard and cellar to the label art, with Jay Buoncristiani as winemaker. O.P.C. carries on their fathers' habit of making blends for the table.

The vineyards

The fruit comes from some of Napa's best-known vineyards, including Hyde, Stagecoach, Hossfeld and Bennett. The 2018 blend is 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah, 18% Malbec and 16% Merlot.

How it's made

The brothers pair Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah, then fold in Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot for extra texture and flavour.

How it tastes

An exotic, lively nose of red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, cinnamon and blood orange. The palate has powerful tannins balanced by enough fruit, and it softens with time.

How to serve it

Give it 2 to 3 years in bottle to soften; it should keep well for about a decade. Decant if you open it young.