Currants are rarely grown in the United States, because the plant is a carrier of a disease called white pine blister rust. Planting is prohibited in most states in order to protect forests. There is an unmistakable bouquet and flavor in wine that has come to be associated with the character of the black currant. I, for one, am going to choose my words more carefully from now on, as this flavor is not an easy one to generalize about or to give useful information to the consumer. The term refers to the marrying of grape and oak that gives the impression of mouth coating richness akin to the feeling that drawn butter achieves when it is consumed, commingling with fish, on freshly baked batards or in a spinach croquette.
Words ought to be as precious as ideas.
Never sharp, prickly or sour. The oak aging banishes edginess yet never dominates. Often overlooked these days as one of the very first, vineyard designated sauvignon blancs. It never loses its voluptuous charm. This Russian River beauty has a splendid personality.