Category Archives: Red blend

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2012 Ergo, Martín Códax Rioja

Just finishing an enjoyable glass of 2012 Ergo, a last cocktail for the weekend. Fitting, perhaps, as the Ergo also ushered in our Friday evening. Like a few other youthful wines we’ve had of late, the Ergo smelled tart at first…an acidic sharpness that was not actually present in the drink itself.

2011 Ergo, Martín Códax, Rioja, Spain.

2011 Ergo, Martín Códax, Rioja, Spain.

My wife picked this wine out, possibly to accompany a Mexican chicken soup that we had earlier in the week (at which time I opted to finish an open Pinot instead), and had the same vibe as to the Ergo’s tart notes. You can also smell dark cherry and maybe just a hint of pepper in this mix of Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes?

I liked it very much. You think you’ll have a tough finish when you get a whiff of this wine’s acidity, but it’s much smoother and lighter. At the same time, it was able to muscle up nicely to thin grilled steaks–which featured a new spice rub that is still much the topic of debate in our house. (We are not sure if the rub worked or not.)

My initials jump right off the label, so I knew I was going to be a fan from the start. I have no decent photo to share this evening…at least of the 2012 Ergo. Give this wine a shot and taste for yourself.

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2010 Meritage, Dry Creek Vineyard

This 2010 Meritage was part of a great gift set that I received from my mother for my birthday last month. It was not supposed to be the headliner of this trio (that was due to be The Mariner) of reds, but in truth it was. We enjoyed The Mariner to be sure, but whereas that wine did not quite live up to its reputation (I still think of its sharp notes) this Limited Production 201o wine very much did.

2010 Meritage, Dry Creek Vineyard, Sonoma, California, USA.

2010 Meritage, Dry Creek Vineyard, Sonoma, California, USA.

We uncorked the 2010 without much fanfare as part of our dinner preparations and did not let it breathe before tumbling it out, fresh, berry, and vibrant, into our waiting glassware. By contrast to the vineyard’s Mariner, it is much more even and less tannic in its makeup. You get a big whiff of cherry and black berry layered together, and a subtle little ribbon of vanilla that winds through the red blend. I’ve previously broken down the mix of this big red, and I think you get that vanilla from the Cab but am not really sure. Is it perhaps the Merlot that helps get that nice, meaty balance here? Try it and let me know.

The 2010 Heritage from Dry Creek Vineyard–one of the first post-Prohibition vineyards in Dry Creek Valley–accompanied a set of delicious steaks. My wife had doctored up the meat with a great spice rub of rosemary and sage, plus the usual salt and pepper, and I for a change remembered to pull the steaks from the grill with enough time to let ’em set up nicely on our plates. Complement that and the wine with some roasted potatoes (fingerlings?) and fresh asparagus and you’ve got quite a nice spread to enjoy with loved ones.

My only disappointment was the end of the bottle, and knowing that no more of these rest comfortably on our wine shelf for next weekend. Here’s to always leaving ’em wanting…

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2012 The Mariner, Dry Creek Valley

This Bordeaux-style red blend is produced by Dry Creek Valley Vineyard, a family-owned winery in northern Sonoma Valley. It’s been in the Stare family since 1972 when, inspired by trips to the Loire Valley, founder David Stare purchased an old prune orchard in Dry Creek Valley and started planting grape vines that would become his family’s winery. Today they produce single-vineyard wines, reds and whites in their “signature” series, and this Mariner–which I received as a special birthday gift.

The 2012 vintage has had accolades from various reviewers, and you can find them scattered throughout the web. If you’re still reading here on Notes, though, you’re less interested in numeric scoring or some high-brow critic’s take on this 2012 meritage. You’re looking for a “real world” analysis and I’m happy to share.

2012 The Mariner, Dry Creek Vineyard, Sonoma, California, USA.

2012 The Mariner, Dry Creek Vineyard, Sonoma, California, USA.

The first thing you should know is that the 2012 The Mariner accompanied our steak dinner on this Memorial Day weekend. My wife and I had an opportunity to slow down from the usual pace of the week, and we used it to great advantage. Our steaks were seasoned with a special home-made “proprietary” blend of spiced salt and smelled of sage, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. The steaks set for perhaps an hour, and we thought The Mariner would be a great complement, given its own hints of spice and blueberry smells. We also had corn fresh from the cob and a killer potato salad that tied the summer meal together–quite a platform on which to display The Mariner.

Here’s how the Stare family shares its summary of this delicious 2012 red blend: “The wine displays high-toned perfume aromas of rose petal, cranberry, blueberry and oregano. Several more minutes reveal hints of wild sage, allspice and dark cherry characters. The palate is full and rich with mouthfilling complexity carrying notes of espresso, sweet vanilla, anise and dark fruit tones. The tannins are smooth and supple providing balance and sophistication.” I wholeheartedly support their fruit flavors, but I am not sure the tannin profile is quite accurately posed. Even after allowing the bottle to breathe for some time, my wife noted its sharper scent on the nose and, though I thought it less pronounced in tasting, it is definitely still present (is that from the Malbec?). Not sure if aging the bottle for a longer period or perhaps decanting would bring it more in line with the winemaker’s original intentions?

The 2012 is a red blend consisting of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, and its is aged for 20 months in French oak (50% new oak). It is very easy drinking and would be great to have another at some point in the future. The meal was fantastic, and the wine was really damn good too–there’s not a drop of this left after our Sunday dinner.

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2010 Meritage, Dry Creek Vineyard

Limited production? Private reserve? Yeah, I’m a sucker for exclusivity, whether real or just perceived. The idea of special consideration or some kind of separation from the herd always plays well with this fella. And so yes, the 2010 Dry Creek Vineyard Meritage Limited Production this Tuesday evening, served beside a delicious turkey burger with onions, baby spinach, and cheese.

2010 Dry Creek Vineyards Meritage, Sonona County, California, USA.

2010 Dry Creek Vineyards Meritage, Sonona County, California, USA.

We cracked open this Dry Creek Valley wine last night, a red to go along with a healthy meal consisting of grilled tuna steaks, waxed beans, and Golden Jewel Blend cous cous. (I picked the photo of the burger instead of the tuna steaks, but that was really a call that could have gone either way.) Great seasoning and freshly ground black pepper right in the mix, and really a nice way to pair off with the red blend.

Speaking of the Meritage, it’s a blend of 48% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 10% Cab Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Quite a profile, and it’s very well balanced–a Signature wine from the vineyard. This Dry Creek is a birthday present and a good one at that. The 2010 Meritage straddles the line in that it’s clearly not a Cab, not a Merlot, etc…it’s rather the sum of all parts, with very subtle hints of multiple grapes as you taste the wine. They’re woven together in a way where you cannot really distinguish exactly which grapes you’re drinking until you glance over the label that lays it all bare.

The label for this Sonoma County Red Wine also shares this vision of the winemaker: “It’s crafted to be concentrate and flavorful ready to drink upon release and exquisitely balanced to allow extended cellaring.” I received three of these to help celebrate my birthday and am glad to know at least two more are still in my future. This one is a keeper and I hope you get to enjoy too.

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2012 Conundrum Red Wine

Two great conundrums on how to celebrate my April 7th: 1) which of so many delicious wine bottles to open, and 2) this 2012 Conundrum Red Wine, a birthday gift from my lovely bride. I’ve seen the catchy branding and enjoyed the word play on many occasions but this was the first time I actually got to sample this proprietary red blend.

2012 Conundrum Red Wine, California, USA.

2012 Conundrum Red Wine, California, USA.

A great bottle of wine was one of the most important items on my wish list for the celebration, and this firm, full-bodied red perfectly fit the bill. The Conundrum accompanied a delicious steak (of course!) and the smile of my beautiful bride as we sipped contentedly after the work day. It’s a great drink. It is dark fruit, it is smooth, it is better sip after sip.

The Conundrum is the pride of the Wagner Family and it wafts plums and maybe blackberry sweetly to your nose as soon as you pop the cork. To this taster, the 2012 blend had a distinct Cabernet Sauvignon vibe. It’s one I’m excited to dry again.

Forgive the short entry – it’s part of a birthday celebration after all.

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The Ones That Got Away – Winter 2015 Sampler

NotesOfNote

2012 Biltmore Estate Merlot Limited Release, North Carolina, USA; 2013 Relax Riesling, Schmitt Sohne GmbH, Germany; 2007 Virgen de Aguila Artigazo, Edicion Limitada, Carinena, Spain; 2013 Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA; 2012 Red Blend, Bell Canyon Napa Reserve, Napa Valley, California, USA; 2012 Buena Vista Pinot Noir Private Reserve, Sonoma Valley, California, USA.

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2013 Apothic Dark Limited Release

Apothic wines I have tried in the past and, while I love the vineyard’s branding on each occasion, I have not been overwhelmed by the wine itself. As soon as I uncorked this 2013, however, I caught scent of the dark coffee underpinnings in a way that reminded me of coffee-flavored tequila–a good idea but not so grand in execution. Nevertheless, interested by the cool Apothic logo I pressed on and started my glasswork.

2013 Apothic Dark Limited Release, California, USA.

2013 Apothic Dark Limited Release, California, USA.

Tonight I’m unconcerned about the meal and thoughts of accompanying food; I’m going to share just this nugget instead: The 2013 Apothic Dark Limited Release is the sturdy older brother of the Carnivor. It’s essentially the same flavor profile as that Cab, opulent in the dark fruits, but the Dark drops in–not with the subtlety that I’d recommend–a heavy hand of coffee over the top of all that fruit. Cool idea, but seems more like a mass-produced veneer instead of a flavor interwoven throughout the final wine. I’d be interested to hear from visitors if they agree upon tasting…

…and that being said, the Dark Limited Release does have many good notes about it and you should give this a try if only once. The label gives you this nugget: “This Limited Release blends dark fruit flavors of blueberry and blackberry with opulent notes of coffee and dark chocolate for a rich, yet silky smooth, wine experience.”

Not quite sure all of that holds up in reality, but the coffee and dark chocolate are here in spades. It pours nearly like black ink in the glass, and makes you feel almost like a rebel when you drink it. Enjoy!

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2007 Virgen del Aguila Artigazo, Edicion Limitada

Excited for this big Spanish red blend from the moment I first ordered it, and it hit every quality mark I hold dear for red wine. Big, dark fruit evident right from the first pour? Check. Well-balanced finish? Yes. Good spice or earthy undertone? Yup. Great taste? Most importantly, yes.

2007 Artigazo, Edicion Limitada, Carinena, Spain. NotesOfNote.

2007 Artigazo, Edicion Limitada, Carinena, Spain.

I did conduct a brief advance screening of the 2007 Artigazo last evening just to see if it warranted consideration for a Friday night feature. As a result, I knew that by the time I revisited today after the long work week we were already in good hands. Tonight the Artigazo accompanied a pepperoni pizza with just a bit of red pepper flakes added to the slices as an accent. You can bet it would perfectly complement grilled steaks, or perhaps some excellent barbecued pork, and I’ll look forward to that in the future since we have a couple more of these still to go.

My wife and I both noted the fruit-forward notes of the Artigazo right in the glass; it hits your nose even before its juicy blueberry/plummy goodness reaches your lips. Really a mouth-watering taste, and one that seems to fold in some spices as just a subtle accent or two. The 2007 Limited Edition is a blend of Garnacha (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), and Syrah (30%), and I’m betting its the latter that throws the spice profile into the final product. Admittedly I’m a growing fan of the Syrah and that may bias me toward the 2007 Artigazo…but if you are too you really can’t go wrong with this excellent Spanish red.

T

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2012 Castlebank Napa Valley Red Wine

I was hooked as soon as I read the description for this big red. Not only am I completely a fan of Napa wines but complex reds too, and this one fits both bills. And on a Friday night, no less? That’s a trifecta.

2012 Castlebank Napa Valley Red Wine, California, USA.

2012 Castlebank Napa Valley Red Wine, California, USA.

David Schlottman, recognized as Winemaker of the Year by the Quarterly Review of Wines, brings this one together in a tumbling glass of brick red goodness. It’s a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, and the dark fruits in here do not disappoint. The 2012 Castlebank combines grapes from Howell Mountain, Oakville, and St. Helena and, even more importantly, brought a big smile to this face–sorely needed after a rough week at the ol’ salt mines. I’ll try to share more about its taste in a subsequent post, as I’m going to open another bottle of this plush wine tomorrow night too.

The 2012 Castlebank I’d recommend you share with friends over grilled steaks, some good char on their edges and grill marks too, and perhaps a baked potato and baked brussel sprouts. The blackberries resident in the ‘bank will weave a compelling tale in this environment, or even fireside if you’re trying to escape the chill of a February winter evening. And you should see how it inks up the glass when you pour it–pretty cool and well worth the price of admission. I’m glad we have three more of these to go!

Interesting postscript: In 2012, Napa County had over 19,500 acres planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, making it the leading producer in a state renowned for Cab.

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2011 The Count, Founder’s Red Wine, Buena Vista; 2013 Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc

A rare two-for, a his and hers special to accompany a delicious birthday meal at Fleming’s steak house in Charlotte, NC. His is the domestic Cabernet blend; hers is the imported white.

2011/2012 The Count, Founder's Red Wine, Buena Vista, Sonoma County, California, USA.

2011/2012 The Count, Founder’s Red Wine, Buena Vista, Sonoma County, California, USA.

His accompanied a Caeser salad and a medium filet mignon, served on a plate that was even hotter than the steak. The Caesar, amply showered with fresh pepper, had a cool crisp of breadstuff served with it, a buttery treat that was pretty excellent. The dressing was a bit heavy but the steak just buttery smooth. The filet was cooked just about perfect and matched up well with the well-balanced red–an easy selection to make from a favorite Sonoma vineyard. You taste smooth blackberries here, some subtle mild accents too. They are nearly hidden from the palate but come alive as you taste the 2011/2012 The Count.

Her Marlborough-originated Sauvignon Blanc accompanied a Caesar as well. A gossamer of gold in a big fishbowl of a glass, the Loveblock shimmered in the intimate restaurant light and matched the twinkle in my wife’s eyes. It complemented a Chilean sea bass and spicy risotto that seemed just fantastic. The Loveblock, an organic white from New Zealand, is a fresh, fragrant-smelling offering from winemakers Kim and Erica Crawford and is really expressive on the nose. Your author is more of a red fan but appreciated the excellent work here in the 2013 vintage.

We enjoyed these wines–plus a chocolate truffle (with wisps of a great raspberry swirl) dessert and a cheesecake with blueberry sauce–not only to celebrate the occasion but also as a part of Restaurant Week in the Queen City. We’ve had a great time in town over the past week and look forward to next year’s event (and more good wines!) already.