The Foreign Affair Dream 2023

As mentioned, not all the reds in the Foreign Affair red portfolio have appassimento grapes used in the blend, but The Dream, a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec, aged for 14 months in older oak barrels, sees about 15% of the grapes dried. The nose leans toward the darker fruits of blackberries and cassis with dark cherries, subtle earthy notes and integrated spice accents. It has good structure, weight, a plush texture and super concentrated dark berries and spice on a finessed finish. It’s drinking nicely right now but can cellar through 2032. (Rick Vansickle,winesinniagara.com,Aug. 27, 2025)