Have you ever wondered why New World Blends are so good? The reason is the unrestricted rules that allow winemakers to blend any varietals together, unlike what you might find in some areas of the Old World.  A perfect example is the unabashedly Californian 2014 Blind Tasting Proprietary Red.  It has a core of Old Vine Zinfandel, amplified by 19% Petite Sirah, which adds depth and succulent blue fruits and then it’s taken up yet another notch with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mount Veeder, adding even more structure and backbone.  This wine is absolutely perfect with everything from BBQ to Burgers and everything in between, and it’s always a crowd-favorite.  If you haven’t experienced this truly California style Red Blend, here’s a great opportunity to do so, but don’t wait too long because there were only 6 barrels produced.

 

A virtual bungie-jump for your palate, with a free-falling burst of blackberry pie, interwoven with violets, crushed blueberries and black raspberries, the 2014 is firing on all cylinders right now.  A wine of deep power and focused intensity, the 2014 blend spent 20 months in oak and benefiting from over a year of development inside the bottle, it’s drinking absolutely beautifully now.  Hitting the palate with incredible fervency, giving way to a rush of irresistible fruit, displayed with terrific clarity.  strongly recommend you jump at the chance to secure a case.  You’ll thank me later.  

Tasting Notes: “Seductive aromas of ripe black plum, crushed blackberries, white Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla jump from the glass. A dense core of perfectly balanced black cherry, crushed blueberries, blackberry preserves with a touch of black pepper unfurl and expand across your palate.  Opulent without being too heavy, the supple fruit tannins combine with a very long finish to make your mouth water and beg for the next sip.  Absolutely delicious and ready to drink right now, or you can hold until 2024.”

VALDEZ 2013 ZINFANDEL ST. PETER’S CHURCH Retails at:  $45.00/btl   Your Price: Join Our Email List to Unlock Special Offers Click to Order Valdez winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers.  When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand.  This Zinfandel arose from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.  Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.

WESTWOOD 2015 LEGEND PROPRIETARY RED Retails at:  $44.00/btl   Your Price: Join Our Email List to Unlock Special Offers Click to Order   From Tasting Panel: “This proprietary red blend (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) is sourced [mostly from] the estate vineyard, situated between Mt. Hood and the Sonoma Mountains. The perfume is primarily floral: gardenia, red rose petals – with accents on red plum and an echo of black pepper. The palate is a silk road with gritty chocolate tannins. But the ruby slippers that carry you down the path bursts with red plum, dark chocolate cherries, exotic jasmine and grilled meat with soy sauce. The finish is pleasurable with a creamy cedar note.” 95 Points