Napa Valley, California
14.4 % Alcohol
Tasted 2015-06-28
Deep dark cherry red with black-purple reflexes. Extremely fruity aromas where blackberries are dominating. Also cherries, cinnamon sticks and the classical dark chocolate tones. On the palate strong with a lot of muscles. Very young; the tannins are still aggressive. Medium to long finish with some bitter notes far at the end due to the present tannins.
We prepared a wild boar stew with bread dumplings and red cabbage. The sauce of the stew was dark and strong and needed a corresponding partner. From the structure the wine was perfectly chosen, but Merlot was not really the right grape. Here a Syrah e.g. from Lillian would be a better solution. Then the surprise. My wife baked some snickerdoodles and together with these rich cookies the aromas of the wine exploded. Indeed I would either serve it directly after dinner shortly before dessert to allow an appropriate pairing if wished or simply enjoy the wine with a wonderful Havanna cigar.
As I already said: The wine is too young. I would minimum wait for another two or three years. Then it will be on the top for around five more years.