"As we briefly discussed back in November, high altitudes can generate vines with higher quality grapes as measured by a greater balance and concentration; and before I dive into the wines of Argentina, I wanted to first try a high altitude wine with which I’d have more familiarity - a Bordeaux blend from Byrd Vineyards.  Byrd’s vineyards sought out by mountain climber and explorer Bruce Byrd, seek to capture that high altitude essence from their perch at 2,400 feet at the far northern end of the Mayacamas range in Mendocino County, California.  This bottle here is the 2012 Red Blend featuring Cab Sauv, Merlot and Cab Franc. It was aged in 40% new French oak for 30 months. On opening the tannins were tight and quite prevalent with notes of dark cherries and blackberries dancing around the edges.  It was initially what I would describe as a timid and shy personality. It totally gave me an image of a shy kid on the first day of school - hands in pockets, shoulders up and tight, but whose feet are shuffling around and eyes glimmering as he watches the kids around him, totally wanting to jump in and play.  And like that shy little guy, after an hour or two, in this case in a glass, an entirely different personality emerged - one not afraid to play or shine. Here both red and black fruit flavors were jumping from the glass. Whisps of violets danced above the rim with blackberries, dark cherries and spices to follow and there was a distinct underlying herbal character.  On the palate, those previously tight tannins had softened elegantly lending a backbone of structure to this incredibly bright and fruit forward wine. It showed a beautiful balance of flavor, acidity, structure and a generous finish. It retains those big Bordeaux style qualities, but also demonstrates an elegance and remarkable purity of fruit flavor. It was a pleasure!  And with this bit of “research” complete, I now have a good sense of what to look for from other high altitude wines."