Deep ruby. Blackberry, cherry, licorice, violet and a hint woodsmoke on the oak-accented nose. Fleshy and broad on the palate, offering intense dark berry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors and candied licorice, black tea and cola nuances that build in the glass. Becomes sweeter with air and finishes on a smoky oak spice note, with mounting tannins and strong, spicy persistence.

This intriguing category—white wine made from red grapes—finds another winner in this new release from Aberrant Cellars. A pale copper hue, it’s rich and full bodied, loaded with flavors of poached pear. Highlights of pepper and toast give way to a finish that somehow suggests Butterfinger candy. It’s flat-out gorgeous from start to finish.

Cabernet Franc and 12% Pinot Noir, sourced from widely separate vineyards throughout Oregon, is a surprising success. The flavors are ripe, recalling sweet mulberry and black-berry, and the polished tannins wrap it up nicely. Drink up.