Wine Review

Varietal: Bordeaux Style.  Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Merlot 31%, Cabernet Franc 27%, Malbec 5%, Petite Verdot 2% 

Both appellations are very distinct but equally complimentary.  Red Mountain produces big wines which are highly structured with firm tannins whereas Del Rio Vineyard yields wines that are very fragrant, plush and softer in texture. By combining the two, we have achieved a wine that is rich, vibrant, and uniquely Northwest.  Aromas of cassis and plum are off-set with notes of tar, chocolate and fig. More cassis and plum follow through to the pallet accompanied by ripe blackberry, lush cherries and nuances of pipe tobacco. A sweet entry is well balanced with juicy acids and supported by velvety tannins, giving the impression of an intensely ripe wine with a lingering richness.

The glass is poured, I pick it up and find myself greeted with a beautiful dark blood red color that is rich and clear. Then I lower the glass, give it a swirl, and inhale . . .

. . . WOW ! ! This wine smells amazing with hints of cinnamon and peppermint sneaking through the smell of indistinguishable fruit. I may not be able to pin point any specific berries but whatever they are they mingle wonderfully with the sweet spices to create a truly fantastic nose.

With the anticipation of the first taste to follow, I mentally check myself, knowing full well how I have been disappointed before by beautiful smelling wines that don't live up to the flavor hinted at. I taste this and . . .

. . . WOW ! ! ! My mouth explodes with flavor as the taste surpasses anything I could have imagined. This is it, this is what a five out of five tastes like, this is what I have been looking for, a wine which I can judge all others by. The fruit is fantastic, the acid is huge, the tannins are strong, the alcohol is equally strong, and that is the key. Every element blends so perfectly that those elements overdone in other wine, those elements that when overwhelming can turn me off so quickly, seem instead to dance together in perfect harmony. And the finish, well, it is so smooth you can feel all of it and still come back to . . . WOW ! ! !

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