Post-holiday winter merriment begins. This is a Cab from Howell Mountain. When you grow grapes on a mountain, the wines take on a kind of rugged, funky character. It’s also really tannic and big. Some call the wine mountain juice, and this Red Cap is a good example. I think Ladera is even funkier, but Red Cap is a little smoother and more approachable for those who haven’t gone mountain crazy yet.

Fire + bold mountain juice = winter perfection.