PRIMA MATERIA “Arcanum No III” Red
“Arcanum” is a Dolcetto-based, non-vintage red blend. This dark berry fruit, brooding, earthy/spicy quality is not what you expect from Dolcetto (I wonder what % is Dolcetto? Guessing around 50%.) Smell and taste black figs, blackberries, dry aged beef, pipe tobacco, tea leaves. Ripe core of fruit in the middle with savory flavors all around […]
Decoy Red Blend 2017
I really like this wine. Smells and tastes of fresh red berries, French toast (just the smell), black licorice and pomegranate. This is ripe buy stays away from the popular over-ripe red blend style. I prefer the non-jammy character of the Decoy Red Blend. This can be found for under $20/bottle in some retail outlets […]
Por Que No? Red 2016
The 2016 ¿Por Qué No? is a four grape blend, starting with Cabernet Sauvignon at 48% followed by Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and finally Petit Verdot (1%). It’s part from Tres Sabores’ Rutherford Bench “Estate” vineyard and Calistoga. It tastes of freshly-picked and summer-ripe raspberries, blueberries, pomegranate and red cherries. Cedar, black licorice and freshly-baked bread […]
CHIRON “Virtue and Vice” Red 2016
A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 5% Petite Sirah, Chiron Virtue and Vice is almost all mountain fruit (Spring Mountain Cab, Howell Mountain Merlot). I really like how this red blend flies out of the gate with ripe black cherry and raspberry flavors followed by black pepper, vanilla and clove. Mouth-filling, full-bodied […]
Por Que No? Red 2015
Tres Sabores winery’s red blend started in 2001 as a “leftover wine.” Now it’s an “intentional wine” in which grapes are brought in (grown/purchased) specifically for this wine. Always delicious in a ripe, spicy, robust style. I just had the latest, the 2015 (note the bottle time the Por Que No? gets – unique for […]
BRANDLIN “Prince & Pedro” Red 2015
Almost a Bordeaux style blend, Brandlin Prince & Pedro Red Blend is 60% Merlot, 15% Syrah (the outlier), 10% Cab Sauv, 10% Cab Franc, 5% Malbec. Lots of fruit, medium/full body, ripe and dark berries and cherries, and SPICE! The Syrah and Malbec, at 20%, make an impact. Black licorice, white pepper, mint and spicy cocoa weave […]
OMEN Red Blend 2016
A unique blend of 50% Syrah, 27% Barbera, 16% Petite Sirah and 7% Zinfandel. Fresh berry and spice aromas, bright and pure red fruits, palate-perking acidity, low oak, touch of dried herbs de Provence and black pepper. This is a super-tasty “Bistro Red” that drinks really well with or without food. More Information Omen and […]
Y ROUSSEAU “Son of a Butcher” 2016
Blend of 45% Tannat, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. Get ripe, dark blackberries and blueberries, cocoa, allspice, roast coffee beans, black licorice and black pepper. Medium acidity, low tannins, ripe but not overly so, rich and super-easy to like. If you’re familiar with Tannat you might expect high tannins. Not the […]
STRALA Proprietor’s Blend, Napa Valley 2015
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Malbec comes from a handful of Napa vineyards. A “Modern Red Blend” style for sure, this is low-acid, jammy, super-ripe and big-flavored. Toasty, seductive oak, black cherry liqueur and cocoa starts in the aroma and continues on in the flavor. Rich, spicy and chewy on […]
FRITH “Frija’s Rule” Napa Valley 2013
A blend of 44% Syrah, 33% Barbera and 22% Grenache qualifies it as a “Modern Red Blend” by recipe, but it’s not as “over the top” in style as most versions. This has a great nose of smushed up fresh raspberries and dark red plums plus cracked black peppercorns and coriander. Taste more of the […]
