After international wine travel, I always enjoy a typical American meal, most often craving “Le Cheese Burger ” on return to the USA. After traveling and tasting the wines of Turkey, I had a tough decision. What wine of proven quality should pair with this special meal? I had a bottle of the 2022 Brian Carter Cellars “Solesce” red blend in my tasting queue. It deserves more than an exceptionally good burger, but it worked so well.
This is a classic Bordeaux blend – 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 9% Petite Verdot, and 7% Malbec – yet easier to drink at a young age. Drinkability and approachability, in my opinion, are hallmarks of Washington state wines. Owner and winemaker Brian Carter is known for his blends from multiple Columbia Valley vineyards.
The wine is deep magenta in the glass with bright red to dark fruit characteristics on the nose, and subtle minerality on the palate. 30 months of aging in French oak, including 50% new, makes quite a statement (and expense), but assures the structure required for aging over the next 7 to 10 years.
Brian, I hope you’re OK with the food pairing, and maybe even grill burgers to pair with this wine on occasion. Read his Wine Characters interview here.