There’s a reason this wine is called “Cherry Red”. I experienced a rush of red and blue fruit, bush herbs, leather, and a touch of cinnamon on the nose and palate. It was extremely pleasant, in case you’re wondering. It is hard to believe how well this 2022 blend is drinking right now.
This is a full-bodied red blend – Zinfancel, Syrah, Carignan, and Mouvedre – with layered complexity and a medium long finish. I expected more jamminess as Zinfandel comprises almost 60% of the blend, but the wine is showing like a smooth well crafted Rhone Blend. These are 50-year-old Zin vines, so mature, not as vigorous as younger vines, but with more refined characteristics. Although not noted on the bottle, the tech notes suggest there may be a touch of Chenin Blanc in the mix.
Winemaker Matt deployed some interesting wine-making techniques to coax the most out of this wine. This is an excellent wine worth seeking out. Drink now, and consider holding three to five years. To read Matt’s Wine Character interview, please click here.