This is a wine you can just relax into – and maybe that will be my go-to style of wine for the upcoming year, considering the daily stress we are all laboring under: relaxing wine. This is a classic Bordeaux-style red blend, with a touch of modernity. It begins with robust dark cherry aromas, burnt-sugar around the edges. Smooth fruit on the palate with a tinge of eucalyptus. The style is not overwhelming, it just works. Nicely balanced acidity. Good fruit. Extreme in only one way: extremely pleasant to sip, with or without food. Will pair best with simple dishes like grilled steak or pork tenderloin.
Highly Recommended: BSE
WHO: Mullan Road Cellars
WHAT: 45/% cabernet sauvignon, 38% merlot, 14% cabernet franc, 3% malbec
WHERE: Columbia Valley, Washington State
HOW MUCH: $41 (media sample)