The nose is all about smoky (almost charred) oak, mocha, leather and blueberry. There’s a hint of plastic-cum-Band-Aid scent, but it isn’t in any way a scene-stealer. Just think of it as a quirky co-star – like Crispin Glover.

On the palate, there’s some great raspberry and blackberry, but the unexpected plot twist is the bright acidity that keeps all the fruit lively.

Providing structure to the story is some tannic bite that normally only stars in wines costing $20 or more. Through the end credits, you’re left with chocolate raspberry and toasty oak.

You’ll want to have this in a dinner-and-a-movie setting, and I recommend something big on the barbeque. Ideally, you may want to have this special night about six months from now. That time will allow the wine to soften up a bit, without losing its indie edge. It’ll just help the flavors come out a bit better than they do today.

If you’re worried that you’ll never find this wine because the label is new to you, allow me to resolve your conflicted climax (that was a movie metaphor – get your head out of the gutter): Turner Road is a new label from Canandaigua. Canadaigua is a beverage company so big it makes Pepsi look like Jones Soda Co. That means Turner Road is going to enjoy distribution like a Julia Roberts flick. You’ll be able to find it just about anywhere liquid is sold. Keep your eyes peeled. It’s coming soon to a theater near you!

Cut! That’s a wrap,
TSW

Turner Road sounds like another TNT venture; maybe a side project where they play independent movies. Nope. It’s a new label that's making some tasty shiraz out of that cultural hotbed, Lodi!

OK, Lodi didn’t give birth to the likes of Illeana Douglas, John Turturro, or Harvey Keitel (they would be indie film actors) but the place continues to birth some great hot-climate wines! While the town’s people may not yet have access to cable TV, they do have access to wonderful zinfandel and syrah/shiraz. OK, the Central California town does have cable television, a few car dealerships and some great wine, but that's about it.

For proof of the wine, grab some of this IFC-approved, two-thumbs-up shiraz.

The color is a deep garnet that’s as dark as any film Sean Penn has acted in since "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."