Winemaker Notes
This wine is a bright medium ruby color. The aromas are lifted with red cherries, currants, cranberries, and red plums. The palate is juicy, filled with cranberries, red fruits, and a delicate brushing of thyme and sage. It has fine and elegant tannins with a creamy, soft, and subtle texture. This is a juicy, fruit-forward example with a lovely balance.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
This charming red mixes fresh black cherry and blueberry flavors with whiffs of oud fragrance, chicory, cedar, tobacco and bittersweet chocolate, plus a touch of spearmint. Offers chewy tannins. Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre. Drink now. 4,800 cases imported.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.