Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Fall Line 2004 Horse Heaven Hills Red

This is a wine that my wine shop proprietor recommended based on my request for "something nuanced." He told me it is one of his current favorites. There's no doubt about it--this is an exceptionally well made wine. A blend of 42% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, this Bordeaux-style blend is both subtle and strong. In fact, it was so enjoyable that I didn't bother taking notes so now I have to go by spotty memory...

Fall Line Winery Red Wine

Variety: Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Blend
AVA: Horse Heaven Hills
Alcohol: 14.8%
Price: $30-$35
Aromas: Plum, cherry, lavender,
Flavors: Lavender, tomato, boysenberry, spice

Summary: A nicely balanced wine with layers of distinct aroma and flavor (hence the nuance). While the nose is a little bit reminiscent of a new world style Côtes du Rhône, the flavor has hints of a Loire Cab Franc. It doesn't hit the hard-core level of iodine of a Loire red but the savory tomato characteristics are there combined with woody herbs like lavender, and soft flavors of purple berry. This wine gets a smiley-grape.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

is the smiley grape a new Taste B rating system? Or have I just missed it in the past?

Nice write it up, it sounds like a great wine, although a bit out of my everyday price range.

cheers
John

Taster B said...

Hi John! Yes I'm testing out a new rating system! If I like it, I may go back and tag previous posts...I like the quick visual cue it provides.

As for the price range, I hear ya. We went out and bought half a case of $10 wines last week and plan to start featuring more budget friendly wines. We do have a wine cellar full of more dearly priced wines to get through as well though... ;)

Anonymous said...

i love value wines, and I think it is fun to try and find a diamond in the rough so to speak. As for the cellar full of gems, we have a bunch, that are just asking to be plucked...but somehow i can't bring myself to it! :) haha

cheers B

Taster A said...

I found that this was one of the more intersting wines that I've had in a long time. The Cab Franc gave it some fun funk and the Merlot gave it the most wonderful nose. I'm a big fan of this big wine. The price? Well, if we go out for dinner and spend $35, chances are that it will be a $10 retail bottle. Sometimes you have to treat yourself. And if you do decide to, this is a good choice.