The 2012 Bonarda Old Vine Reserve is about as good an example of this varietal that one will find. Its saturated purple color is accompanied by an exceptional bouquet of mulberry jam, spring flowers and loads of berry fruit. Although it was aged 12 months in French oak, there is no hint of oak, only super fruit, medium to full body, and a terrific mouthfeel as well as aromatics. This crowd-pleaser should drink nicely for another 2-3 years. Maipe is one of my favorite value selections from Fran Kysela as the wines are exceptionally well-made, and sell for a song.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #208, August 2013), 91 pts