Complicated 2018 Red Blend, Monterey County
Item Number: 28 20 772 18
Quick Taste
- 93 Points
- Editors' Choice
- "Precise aromas of baked boysenberry, smashed granite and red flowers"
- "Juicy and creamy on the palate with a velvety texture"
About Complicated 2018 Red Blend, Monterey County
The base of this wine is Grenache sourced from a vineyard planted on the valley floor of the Arroyo Seco riverbed. The cool coastal influence of both the Arroyo Seco and Salinas River Valleys results in a longer growing season, which combined with the region’s abundant sunshine, produces fruit with dark, complex flavors. The balance of the wine is Syrah from two certified sustainable vineyard sites planted on benchland west of the Salinas River Valley, where Monterey Bay fog rolls in later in the day and retreats earlier in the morning, allowing for the warmer temperatures needed to ripen Syrah. 69% Grenache, 31% Syrah.
The Grenache was cold-soaked for 24 hours before being fermented with a yeast strain selected to preserve the naturally elegant aroma bouquet of the fruit. The wine was pumped over three times a day for six days before being pressed off and undergoing malolactic fermentation. The Syrah also underwent extended skin contact, deepening the color and aromatics, before fermentation with yeast that enhances the fruit characteristics while adding complexity and spice aromas. The lots were gently pumped over three times a day to accentuate the berry aromas inherent in fruit from these two vineyards. Both varietals were aged in primarily French oak and a small amount of American oak, in a mix of newer and neutral barrels in order to preserve the varietal characteristics while adding a subtle frame. Lots were then chosen for the final blend.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded this an Editors' Choice and scored it 93 points saying "Precise aromas of baked boysenberry, smashed granite and red flowers make for a rounded nose. The palate is elegantly framed by pinpoint tannins, starting with flavors of lavender, violet and lilac that lead into a spicy hint of white pepper and a fresh currant tone."
James Suckling scored this 90 points saying "Blueberry, blackcurrant and blackberry on the nose with hints of fresh herbs. Medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy and creamy on the palate with a velvety texture. Fruity finish. Drink now."
The Grenache was cold-soaked for 24 hours before being fermented with a yeast strain selected to preserve the naturally elegant aroma bouquet of the fruit. The wine was pumped over three times a day for six days before being pressed off and undergoing malolactic fermentation. The Syrah also underwent extended skin contact, deepening the color and aromatics, before fermentation with yeast that enhances the fruit characteristics while adding complexity and spice aromas. The lots were gently pumped over three times a day to accentuate the berry aromas inherent in fruit from these two vineyards. Both varietals were aged in primarily French oak and a small amount of American oak, in a mix of newer and neutral barrels in order to preserve the varietal characteristics while adding a subtle frame. Lots were then chosen for the final blend.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded this an Editors' Choice and scored it 93 points saying "Precise aromas of baked boysenberry, smashed granite and red flowers make for a rounded nose. The palate is elegantly framed by pinpoint tannins, starting with flavors of lavender, violet and lilac that lead into a spicy hint of white pepper and a fresh currant tone."
James Suckling scored this 90 points saying "Blueberry, blackcurrant and blackberry on the nose with hints of fresh herbs. Medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy and creamy on the palate with a velvety texture. Fruity finish. Drink now."
Wine Details
- Alcohol % 14.1%
- Bottle Size 750 ml
- Wine Type Red
- Country United States
- Region California
- Appellation Central Coast
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