2015 Ranch 32 Cooper's Blend Red Wine Montery County CA
This is a new wine in the powerbuy section of the West Lebanon Liquor outlet, I always walk through this section of the store regardless of what I'm in there for. You never know what you're going to see on the shelves or in the stacks of cases on the floor there.
When I read the label and saw it was from Monterey Countey, I decided to try a bottle. In the last 10 to 15 years the vintners in this area realized that they couldn't grow all of the same grapes that Napa and Sonoma can. So they have replanted their vineyards to varieties that do better in the cooler climate with a maritime influence, with better results.
This wine is a blend of Petite Verdot, Cinsault, Syrah, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Petite Syrah.
This wine opens with notes of red fruit in nose, red plums, a hint of raspberries, red currants and some other scents I couldn't quite pinpoint. You can taste the red plums, red currants, with a hint of blueberry. It has an initial sensation of almost sweet when first sipped, but it finishes dry. It's very dark red, almost black in color.
After 30 minutes of being open, the black fruits show up. Notes of blackberries, a mix of black and red plums, blueberries, and black raspberries are in the nose, the palate has matching flavors, especially the black raspberries, and the wine has more of a plush feel in the mouth. The acidity and tannins provide a good balance, and makes you want another sip.
This is so easy to sip on, but it also pairs well with food. I tried it at lunch with leftover roast chicken, rice pilaf, and mixed vegetables. I saved a glass to try with grilled beef tenderloin from the Warden Meat and Maple farm in Barnet Center, VT. What a great pairing, their beef is grass fed, no antibiotics, and delicious. 802-633-4959 they also have pork products (the bacon is great)
You can find the wine in West Lebanon, and at some of the other NH Liquor outlets for $7.99 per bottle, regular price is $16.99 or online at some websites for normal retail.
This will be a great wine to have with bbq this summer, or enjoy it now with a number of other foods. I liked it enough to buy a case, at this price it could be your house wine....
Cheers!
Ed
