Every now and then I come across a wine producer that just resonates with me on multiple levels. The most recent example of that is the wines from Chacewater Winery. I enjoy just about everything about these wines, right down to the label itself.

Chacewater is a fairly small, family owned winery located in Kelseyville, Lake County, CA that's just beginning to make an appearance in the Phoenix Metro wine market. So far, I've had the pleasure of experiencing their Petite Sirah, Merlot, Malbec and Zinfandel. Winemaker Mark Burch has crafted each of these wines with balance and versatility. All of these reds have rich dark fruit supported by silky tannins. This makes them extremely versatile, perfect for pairing with any hearty dish or just sipping with appetizers. All of this is done while staying true to the varietal.

If I've piqued your interest, keep in mind that Chancewater doesn't yet have a huge footprint on the retail shelf. Several of the AJ's Fine Food's in the Phoenix metro area are carrying them as well as some of the better wine establishments. However they are well worth the search.

Chacewater Malbec. When was the last time you enjoyed a California Malbec? Malbec is Argentina's signature red grape and more often than not, that is the country of origin. And while there is acreage in California, few producers are making them. This one is soft and luscious and the most fruit forward of their wines I have tried so far, yet still very balanced with a sufficient tannin structure.

The Petite Sirah is rich and delicious with black cherry and black raspberry right up front that transitions into an earthy white pepper finish. Again, striking a great balance between earth and fruit.

This is not your Mom's soft, fruit bomb Merlot. No offense mom. Beefy yet silky tannins will allow this wine to pair with any grilled steak or hearty sauce. For those who don't like their red wine fruitless, no worries. It may not be a fruit bomb, but there is plenty of rich dark fruit to balance this wine out nicely.

I get frustrated with so many wine lovers who write off a big, bold Zinfandel because when you say the name they immediately think pink and sweet. True red zinfandel has a delicious blackberry and spice character that is quite unique. While many zinfandels are done in a somewhat overrripe, jammy style, a balanced Zinfandel can be amazing. The Chacewater Zin is just that. It stays varietally true to its character while maintaining enough earthy notes, oak and tannins to satisfy most discerning Cabernet drinkers.

For more information visit Chacewaterwine.com