Tag: petit verdot

Eden Canyon 2005 Jolie Bordeaux-Style

edencanyonjolieThis is a classic Bordeaux-style wine, made with 88 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 12 percent Petit Verdot. this is no heavy fruit bomb, but it’s no lightweight, either, even with only 13 percent alcohol.  Which means you get the flavors of the wine without the “hot” alcohol taste.

It has a rich ruby color with a deep cherry fruit nose and French oak perfume. The acids are centered with some softer tannins and no residual sweetness. There’s a dry fruit taste and a very good finish. Match it with a nicely grilled steak or herb garlic-crusted prime rib.

Heavens to Twisted Oaks 2005 Murgatroyd

2005_murgatroydWe love blends. They can express the full palate of a terrior – think Burgundy or Bordeaux. They can also demonstrate the combined skills of a winemaking team that includes vineyard staff and cellar rats alike. As a bonus, every winery has the option of creating its own brand of cola product.

As in Twisted Oak’s Murgatroyd (and if you know the cartoon reference, post a comment). The wine is a blend of four varietals and five vineyards: two cabernet sauvignons (accounting for the extra vineyard), a petit verdot, a tempranillo and a grenache, which means there’s a potential range of aromas and tastes the could include violets, blackberries, molasses, plums, tobacco, blueberries and bell pepper.

In this case,the resulting aroma is licorice/anise with some berries. The first taste was that of spices like black pepper and cloves. Dusty fruit, or a ripe taste that’s not overly sweet, is balanced with less acid and more tannins, thanks to a combination of American, Hungarian and older French oak barrel aging.  There is some noticeable dryness from the tannins that would cut through the weight and richness of a steak, a savory winter beef stew or some lamb chops medium-rare with some pinkness at the bone.

You could age the wine for another year or so.  It would be interesting to see if it improves.  That being said, it’s darned tasty now.