Newton Vineyard
Claret
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah
Napa County
St. Helena, California, USA
2007
14.5%
$15.99 -- Costco, Austin, TX
Color: Medium purpley garnet
Nose: Cherry, plum, orange, a little heat
Body: Medium
Front: Dried cherries
Middle: Chocolate chip cookie
Back: Licorice, firm tannins
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This is an elegant wine, with good balance and presence. It's not bombastic, by any means, and it doesn't have an edge that makes it particularly memorable, but it's also a bit young, I think, so patience might be rewarded.
It was tasty with an Italianesque sausage and roasted pepper and pasta thing I made this evening, though even better with bread and a little Valdeon cheese. Not a terrifically thought-provoking wine, but certainly a good one for the price. I will likely get another bottle and cellar it for a couple of years and see what happens.
