22 Pirates 2016 Red Blend, Clos La Chance, California

Clos La Chance is a winery that started very small. Co-owners Bill and Brenda Murphy decided to plant a few rows of Chardonnay in their Saratoga backyard, both for landscaping purposes and to realize their dreams of being small-scale vintners. Before long their grapes and wine were in huge demand and as they say, the rest is history. Their 22 Pirates Red Blend was created to employ the outstanding Rhone Varietals being produced by premier wine growers throughout California of there are 22 distinct grapes. This 2016 uses a small sampling of the best;  a blend of 65% Syrah, 12% Petite Sirah, 11% Carignane, 10% Cinsault and 2% Viognier. The grapes are given extended cold soaking prior to fermentation and extended maceration post fermentation for maximum extraction of color and tannins. The wines are pumped over 3+ times per day for 2 weeks during peak fermentation to aid in the extraction process and provide a clean fermentation to maintain quality. Once finished, the wines are aged in premium French oak for 12-18 months prior to final blending and bottling.

Beverage Testing Institute (Tastings.com) scored this "Exceptional" 94 points saying "Dark black violet color. Aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, vanilla bean, white chocolate, fresh summer tomato, heirloom leather jacket, and fresh mint with a round, vibrant, fruity medium body and a tingling, compelling, medium-long cinnamon-sugar finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and light oak. A lip smacking Rhone varietal blend from Monterey; you may need more than one bottle!"