This modestly-priced Merlot-driven red is made by winemaker Pierre Seillan, famous for his Verité wines that rank among California’s most prestigious reds. Seillan is a gifted winemaker who plays with combinations of the classic Bordeaux varietals to masterful effect. The 2013 Valadorna is a dark wine that immediately captures attention with captivating plum, cherry and chocolate notes floating from the glass. The texture is elegant and round with ripe dark fruit at its core: blueberries, cherries and currants with dark chocolate. On the finish, a satisfying graphite minerality frames the fruit and makes you reach for the next sip. The Valadorna is already approachable, but will benefit from 5-7 years in the cellar.

Arcanum Winery

From the winery:

Located in the southeast corner of Chianti Classico, in the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, vineyards for Arcanum are among the most prized in Tuscany. There, international winemaker Pierre Seillan draws on his experience in Bordeaux and California to produce three Bordeaux-style blends from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.