Author Archive
2006 Blending Trials
[ Mike live-blogging our blending trials, Saturday. – Ziraud ]
Cab Sav Solo: Unimpressive, oakey beast
Merlot Solo: Varietally correct with a flavor slump in the middle
Cab Franc Solo: Intriguing acids and nose, impressive possibilities
[ all blend recipes Cab Sauv / Merlot / Cab Franc – Z ]
50/30/20: aboriginal, not meaty enough, war, oaky, ripe? but somehow… lifeless.
40/30/30: the mix to beat, oak subdued and the structure enhanced
30/40/30: nose like previous but too hot, candy-like, flabby
40/35/25: boring, candy dandy, not much nose, life savers
45/30/25: pretty good, big upfront, no middle, surprisingly long tail, no nose, many (but certainly not all) liked this one
40/25/35: meh
42/30/28: more sack, no more drop-off in the middle, sweet pillowy nose, nice finish, bacon
[ 2 favorites blended and then served back to tasters blind -Z ]
A: Nice but no cigar
B: Stronger acids, tannins, flavor depths
Ta-da! A = 42/30/28, B = 40/30/30, so 40/30/30 is da winner and still champion!
and it’s got lots of sac(k)!
[Pics below the fold -Z]
Read more
