Red Blend Tasting!

Name: Justin, Isosceles

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot

Region: Paso Robles, CA

Country: USA

Year: 2017

Price: $80.00

Winery Review: According to wine.com, this "full-bodied, with rip black fruit, complex barrel spice and amazingly ready to drink right out of the gate, you can try a bottle or two now, but make sure to save a few to enjoy this wine as it continues to evolve after some time in the cellar." The critical acclamation of the 2017 vintage from a wine enthusiast stated "savory aromas of smoked meat, tar and graphite meet with dark berry and purple flowers on the nose of this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot." 

Personal Review: I enjoyed trying this wine! I have been intrigued with the red blends, although it is still challenging to depict the flavors of each specific variety it has been fun trying! This wine was sour, bitter with high acidity and high alcohol content. Tastes a little oaky. Could not note specific notes of fruit because it was so powerful with alcohol/acid flavors. Very powerful flavors, for being a 15% alcoholic content was one of the strongest wines I have tried yet. According to Wine Folly, Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Primary flavors include strawberry, raspberry, bell pepper, crushed gravel and chili pepper. After reading this from wine folly, I can say that I definitely tasted the chili pepper, the kick was very strong. For dinner we paired this wine with smoked chicken, mac & cheese and a salad. I would consider this wine to be a full-bodied red wine, according to wine folly on page 61, this specific body of wine would be paired best with red meet, but it does not go wrong with white meats (including chicken). The chicken had a very strong smokey flavor that was overpowered when paired with the wine, the wine was extremely strong.