About The Wine: Washington State has not overtaken California as the best producer of domestic wine but I believe it is only a matter of time. When done right, Washington State's Cabs have a smoothness and an easy drinking quality that most of Cali's over the top reds lack.
About THIS Wine: In the glass it is opaque purple right up to the rim. Jammy blackberry dominates the nose along with prominent vanilla notes. The palate is full and slightly tannic.
Drinking This Wine: The tannins are potent enough that a little bit of decanting is advisable. Leave the wine open for half an hour or an hour to let it smooth out. It is not really big enough for beef but it would be divine with pork steak.
Overall Impression: This is a smooth, easy drinking, and food friendly wine. It is everything you could want from a fifteen dollar bottle and as such it is good for the price.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Kallune Red Blend 2010 (about $18)
About the Wine: Malbec is so closely associated with Argentina that many people forget that it is one of the Bordeaux varietals. Argentinian Malbecs are often a bit soft and flabby, so some producers have begun blending other varietals to produce a heartier wine. This wine is a blend of 48% Malbec, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot. This can technically be classified as a Bordeaux blend because Cab and merlot are both Bordeaux varietals, though few producers in Bordeaux favor Malbec so heavily..
About THIS Wine: The center is opaque purple with a violet rim. The nose is musky with heavy wood notes. On a first taste the wine was very dry with scattered fruit notes. It had a disjointed feel. With some time in the glass the elements began to integrate into something that was a passable interpretation of a Bordeaux, though not nearly as heavy or tannic.
Drinking This Wine: This definitely benefitted from decanting. I had it with oven roasted chicken and it was a great pairing.
Overall Impression: This is a red Bordeaux blend for someone who wants something lighter, cheaper, and generally easier than traditional Bordeaux. It is an interesting, food friendly wine that may provide a window into the future of serious Argentine wine making. It's also pretty tasty. This wine is a good value.
About THIS Wine: The center is opaque purple with a violet rim. The nose is musky with heavy wood notes. On a first taste the wine was very dry with scattered fruit notes. It had a disjointed feel. With some time in the glass the elements began to integrate into something that was a passable interpretation of a Bordeaux, though not nearly as heavy or tannic.
Drinking This Wine: This definitely benefitted from decanting. I had it with oven roasted chicken and it was a great pairing.
Overall Impression: This is a red Bordeaux blend for someone who wants something lighter, cheaper, and generally easier than traditional Bordeaux. It is an interesting, food friendly wine that may provide a window into the future of serious Argentine wine making. It's also pretty tasty. This wine is a good value.
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