As soon as I pulled the cork from this wine, the nose had me on a knee offering the marriage of my lips. Big and full, there was a strength in the vapours that pulled a deep, dark ripe cherry filled with a bit of spice (pepper and mace?) and chocolate mixed with dark raspberry. Indeed, to pour it in the glass, it looks like cherry juice … and that same dark concentrated fruit, consistently lands square in the middle of the tongue on a first and lingering taste. There is a bit of woody-earthiness under this fruit too which reminds me of Saskatoon berries or perhaps a bit of huckleberry, all of which made this a phenomenal pairing with duck breast with a blackberry sauce.
The tannins are certainly there which makes this a perfect pairing for an equally rich fillet mignon … but there is velvety smoothness behind them that suggests that while this wine is both ready to be drunk now, it is also going to cellar for another few years. Pour it gently and no decanting and enjoy. A perfect New Years treat, to be sure.
Stats:
- Price: $20.25-22.95
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Sweetness: Very dry
- Appellation/origin: Clarksburg (California)
- Where to buy: SAQ or Special order
- Food Pairing: Steak, lamb or a delectable Duck with Blackberry and Chambord Sauce
Rating: 90/100
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