Holman Ranch, in California’s Carmel Valley, has a long, rich history. In the late 1920’s, the estate was a ‘hideaway’ for such silent film stars as Charlie Chaplin and Theda Bara. It became a winery when Dorothy McEwen bought the property in 1989 and planted grapes. In 2006, the winery was sold to Tom and Jarman Lowder. This particular wine, aged for 12 months in French oak, is bright, fruity (cherry and blackberry), with hints of tobacco. The light bodied vintage is drinking well and worth setting aside to age. Suggested retail price is $33.