Category Archives: Red blend

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2010 Summation Red Wine Blend, Kendall-Jackson

Something about a “red wine blend” from Kendall-Jackson sounded good when I saw it in the local grocery store (I know, still sounds weird to me too) and on this occasion those instincts were right on the money.  The 2010 Summation Red Wine Blend, Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve is a fantastic bargain–a $15 wine that packs a much richer profile into its KL label.

We all know the Kendall-Jackson crest so forgive me for skipping the photo on this occasion.  I’m fairly confident I detected lack cherry, hints of vanilla, and some definite oak aging?  It was jammy and smooooth…so very smooth.  The winemaker offers the following:

“Smoother than Cabernet Sauvignon, richer than Merlot, more balanced than Zinfandel, this red wine blend offers intriguing flavors and aromas: roasted coffee, dark chocolate, pomegranate, and black cherry intertwine to offer a multi-layered mouthfeel and sumptuous texture.”

The Kennedy Center honors (amazing performers that prompted us to explore past years’ musicians with equal zeal) provided a great backdrop; the Summation’s was even better.  Definitely interested in putting my hands on a substantial quantity of this fine red offering.

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2011 Dogajolo Toscano, Carpineto

Time for celebrations tonight and marking the way is the 2011 Dogajolo Toscano Indicazione Geografica Tipica–a dry red table wine from Tuscany.  After weeks of American and French wines, we’ve hit Italians twice now in January.  This one was part of birthday celebrations and thus has extra special regards from us.

2011 Dogajolo Toscano, Carpineto, Tuscany, Italy.

2011 Dogajolo Toscano, Carpineto, Tuscany, Italy.

Truth be told, I had a first glass last evening (with pan-seared steaks and blue cheese salad) but tasting tonight–while we watched great YouTube video of the Kennedy Center honors for Led Zeppelin and then Paul McCartney–the Dogajolo showed its range.  My wife had selected the Dogajolo based on recognizing its label from some occasion years ago, and I see why this one stuck deep in the subconscious of her mind.  In part, its label reminds me of one of her favorite Christmas wrapping papers.  From the taste perspective, it’s deep red and fruity, it packs in some zest, and it’s real easy to drink.

A quick label recap: “The Dogajolo is made from 80% Sangiovese grapes blended with a dash of 20% Cabernet Sauvignon grown in dry farmed, hillside vineyards in central Tuscany.  Fruity and intense flavors, with hints of berries, coffee, vanilla, and spice, are matched with a supple tannin structure and a long finish.  This young ‘Super Tuscan’ wine shows at its best with full-flavored dishes such as roasts, grilled meats, cold cuts, and tomato-based Italian specialties such as pizza and pasta.”

All those would be great and lord knows we tried several already…and are looking forward to others.  Suffice it to say, the Dogajolo acquitted itself well.

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2012 Menage a Trois, California Red Wine, Folie a Deux Winery

Great ambiance this evening as we break into the 2012 Menage a Trois, California Red Wine from the Folie a Deux Winery in Napa, California.  Check out the lighting and the setting here as we close out a fun weekend…

2012 Menage a Trois, California Red Wine, Folie a Deux Winery, Napa Valley, California, USA.

2012 Menage a Trois, California Red Wine, Folie a Deux Winery, Napa Valley, California, USA.

…and thus makes me sad to report that the 2012 Menage a Trois California Red Wine was either mishandled by us or just failed to live up to its billing.  We had this red blend–a mix of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cab–with steak, fresh asparagus, and “gourmet” potato crowns.  It was fruity–SO fruity.  There’s a definite red berry deluge in the Menage, one that is actually a bit too sweet for my taste.  The Menage I wouldn’t classify as a table wine, or a dessert wine, but it definitely overpowered my taste buds before and with dinner.

Here’s what the winery says of their Red Wine: “Fresh, ripe, jamlike fruit that is the calling card of California wine.  A delightful blend based on three varietals–Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.”

I’m not sure that I share the ‘delightful’ thinking.  I’m no wine snob and thus report that the 2012 Menage was purchased at Wal-Mart–even was double-charged for it, adding insult to injury–but I won’t be going back for another one of these.  As odd as it is to say, it’s just too fruity.

Postscript:  Given the above, I only had a single glass of the Menage upon first tasting.  When I revisited the following night, the 2012 Menage a Trois had “settled down” and was much easier to drink.  Lost some of the sugary vibe and made me rethink if I was at fault for the less favorable first tasting experience?

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2009 Lyeth Cabernet Sauvignon Private Selection

This Private Selection Lyeth bundles together so many facets of a good wine–it’s a special gift from dear friends, it tastes fantastic, and we appreciated the hell out of it.  Originating from a quiet pocket of northern Sonoma County, this 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon comes at you silky smooth…it’s got an easy way about it that reminds you of a favorite Bordeaux and just engenders a great tasting experience.

2009 Lyeth Cabernet Sauvignon Private Selection, Sonoma, California, USA.

2009 Lyeth Cabernet Sauvignon Private Selection, Sonoma, California, USA.

Lyeth Estates was established some 30 years ago by a winemaker who purportedly aspired to the red blends of Bordeaux, and the 2009 Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon is very much in this style.  My unrefined palate can’t quite break down the profile of this wine, but its finish has less tannins than other Cabs I’ve sampled, and of course I wonder if the Private Selection adds splashes of Pinot Noir, Verdot, or perhaps Merlot to calm down the aftertaste.  I think I get some blackberry in this deep, red beauty from the Alexander Valley, but it could be some other dark fruit and I really can’t be sure–except to say that it’s very enjoyable.  There’s some spice aroma here too…not quite tobacco, vanilla, or some dominant earthiness, but something.  You’ll have to taste it for yourself to hone in further.

As far as the foodstuffs go, you can see that we  paired up the 2009 Lyeth Cabernet Sauvignon Private Selection with ravioli, seasoned with olive oil, fresh basil, and tomato.  Sort of a traditional combination but one that worked well for the two of us.  So thank you, friends, for your generosity and your taste.  We’ll see you soon and send our very best regards in the interim.

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2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West

This red blend ranks highly in both taste and clever branding.  The 2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West was my favorite from our tasting at this award-winning Finger Lakes earlier this year, and it performed nicely even weeks later when we approached this meritage with clear hearts, minds, and palates.  You know how it is–sometimes on a tasting trail you’ve had multiple grapes and glasses that slightly skew your reaction to any one varietal and, returning home, you find that your purchase tastes very different from what you’d remembered.

2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West, Lodi, New York, USA.

2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West, Lodi, New York, USA.

The 2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West sidesteps that pitfall, providing a great combination of Cabernet Franc (52%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), and Merlot (24%) that’s sure to do good things for your evening.  Produced by Lamoreaux Landing Wine Sellers along the western side of Seneca Lake, it’s just west of the 76th meridian (42° 34′ 36″N 76° 51′ 31″W)” and derives its name accordingly.  Like many other reds favored here in Notes, the 76 West carries scents of dark, minerally soil and dark berries (maybe a cherry here too?) to you as soon as you make that first pour.  Great swirl in the glass…nice balance too that encourages repeat pouring/consumption.

We combined the 2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West with blue cheese salads and steaks from the grill as our Friday night treat(s).  Good play of the red with the fresh pepper in the salad but particularly with the grilled meat.

The folks at Lamoreaux produced only 400 cases of this gem, so if you’re at all interested in picking up a few bottles don’t wait too long.

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Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast

Our second take on the Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, a red blend from Napa Valley, California.  Nice reward for a day of hard work, Lions comprises Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), Merlot (10%), and Petite Verdot (8%) and those who follow Notes will see immediately why it strikes a chord for this grape fan.  Produced by Jim Ragusci (and some friends) of Ragusci Vineyards in Stag’s Leap, it’s aged 18 years in French oak–not necessarily my favorite approach but used to good effect here.

Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA.

Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA.

We paired the Chasing Lions 2010 with pasta salad, steamed broccoli, and beef.  The wine’s earthy scent, its aromas of dark berries, nicely complemented the starches and spices of our dinner.  Here are some specifics from the experts:

“It shows dark fruit aromas of black cherries, violets, and cassis.  Blackberry, anise, and raspberry notes enhance the bouquet.  Drinks beautifully now but like its predecessors, the 2010 has the structure and finesse to allow it to develop for at least an additional five to seven years.”

Looks like my first impression wasn’t too far off and, though I don’t get the raspberry note at all in my tasting, you might be interested to reflect back on those observations as I myself did.  Still think the smooth finish and the easy comfort of the Chasing Lions 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast make it a great addition to your meal.

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2010 Tormaresca Neprica Red Blend Puglia

Memory does interesting things to us.  For some, it’s the process by which we as humans (certain animals too, I suppose) react to the world around us, encoding, storing, and later retrieving some stimulus to our consciousness.  To those of us grape fans, it either builds up a great bottle or dismantles some less-than-stellar bottle of something you had years ago.  Memory is many things, and fickle prime among them.

2010 Tormaresca Neprica Red Blend Puglia, Italy.

2010 Tormaresca Neprica Red Blend Puglia, Italy.

Take this 2010 Tormaresca Neprica Red Blend Puglia, for example.  I know we had many bottles of the Neprica over the last couple years–perhaps even a case?–and I had always thought it very equal to the task.  Better than equal, even, and bet you could find earlier posts here in Notes that substantiate this vibe.  But that’s just my memory of the Neprica, as I haven’t had one in almost a full calendar year.

This week, however, I uncorked this last bottle of red blend to sample after work.  On one or two occasions, the glass may have even carried over to our dinner meal, but I think it was mostly consumed just on its own merits.  A good beverage, to be sure, but not quite up to all the praise I had offered in 2012.

To some extent, I think wine tasting is about context.  That great Cabernet goes to another level when you have it with great company and/or a great steak dinner.  The amazing Pinot Noir works well in part because of your food pairing, but perhaps in part too because you had a less worthwhile red the last time out.  That’s sort of the case here too with the 2010 Tormaresca Neprica: I’d now call it average, partly because my palate is slightly more attuned than last year, and in part owing to the great wines we’ve recently enjoyed and cataloged in this blog.  The Neprica is still full and delicious…I’d just say that it perhaps lacks some of the nuances and subtle spice notes that I’m enjoying in the Bordeauxs, Cabs, and Pinots we have sampled more recently.  Last thought–I’ll like my next one, and it’s a good value.

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Blue Rock Baby Blue 2010 Red Blend

Hard to know how to title this wine–the bottle reads simply Baby Blue but the winemaker’s website calls it Baby Blue Cabernet.  Or Baby Blue Estate Red Blend.  Whatever it’s called, it is fantastic.  My wife picked out this crazy winner and gifted it to me for my 40th birthday.  It was part of a great weekend, and we polished it off on Sunday night with a perfectly grilled steak, some delicious tater tot crowns, and grilled asparagus.  Perfect pairing, in all the ways that matter to me–obvious and subtle both.

Blue Rock, Baby Blue 2010 Red Blend. Alexander Valley, USA

Blue Rock, Baby Blue 2010 Red Blend. Alexander Valley, USA

At the moment, red blends are very much vogue for this gent.  Here’s the makeup of the Blue Rock:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon 52%
  • Merlot 25%
  • Cabernet Franc 13%
  • Syrah 10%

The winemaker remarks further, “The wine spent 16 months in French Oak (once used) and has been bottled unfined. As a result, Baby Blue is delicious on release and is intended for mid-term cellaring.”  Fans of this blog know that’s a bunch of high-falutin’ language but in the end it means one important thing–the wine is great.  I’m ready for my next glass already.

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Apothic Red Blend 2011

First wine of the new year, and one that had always caught my eye while looking for new ideas…particularly California red ideas, which always do well in our house.  I started this bottle earlier in the weekend and was surprised at how tart it was initially.  Definitely did not give it enough time to settle into itself when I had the first glass, which was so tart that I almost put it down and switched over to a beer instead.  Let’s say that false start doesn’t show the true colors of the Apothic Red.

Apothic Red Blend, 2011, California, USA.

Apothic Red Blend, 2011, California, USA.

When I gave it another shot on Sunday afternoon, the Apothic came full circle.  I raised an eyebrow and gave it an approving nod.  I didn’t know the breakdown of the blend, or what grapes ultimately make the cut in this dark ruby red, but it had a lovely, deep mouthy feel and engendered a big smile.

Curious, I checked its profile with the winemaker and learned they worked to bring in red jam flavors inclusive of Syrah, Zin, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, and some undertones of mocha and vanilla.  I could definitely detect both those spices amid all the fruity reds, and preferred the mocha to the vanilla for this bottle.

I liked it for sure but, given all the wonderful reds there are out there, and even in our rack at the moment, I think I got my initial fill of the Apothic for now.  Maybe more later?

 

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Eclipse 2006 Heron Hill Red Blend

Starting off this cool yet sunny Fall weekend was this red blend – a 49% Cabernet Franc, 48% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon from New York’s Finger Lakes (Keuka Lake) region.  Labeled as a “table wine” I was concerned it would be more of a dessert wine and overly sweet but as soon as we opened the bottle you could smell that wasn’t the case.

Eclipse 2006 Heron Hill Red Blend, Finger Lakes region, New York, USA.

Eclipse 2006 Heron Hill Red Blend, Finger Lakes region, New York, USA.

The Eclipse–a Christmas gift from my wine-loving folks–was pretty excellent.  Settled in like a good cab once it had a chance to breathe for a few minutes and was ample accompaniment for an iceberg wedge salad with blue cheese and a perfectly cooked steak.  Dark berries, tannins that provided initial bitterness before settling into a nice warm comfort, and an easy aftertaste.