Classic Bordeaux blends
hailing from Napa are not uncommon; what is uncommon is to find one that truly
represents a traditional blend, but also promises compatibility with food and,
quite simply, is a pleasure to drink. The 2012 Canard Vineyard Vintner’s Blend nails
it. As a wine writer I have written about Canard Vineyard in The Hollywood Reporter; as a wine buyer I carry their Reserve
Cabernet in my wine department at PierreLafond Market in Montecito, so yes, I am a fan. Their Vintner’s Blend is
comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (42%), Merlot (36%), Cabernet Franc (21%) and Petit
Verdot (1%). Grown in Calistoga and aged 19 months in both new and neutral French
oak, the result is a wine that is seamless and graceful with nothing out of
place, sort of like a restrained opulence. The nose offers typical blackberry,
blueberry and dark cherry hints, but it hits the palate with soft tannins and
lingers in the mid palate with cassis, black cherry, cedar and a wisp of mocha
and mint. The under current of acidity allows tremendous food pairing options
and the oak treatment is judicious meaning this wine will not overpower your
meal. Canard turned out just 517 cases of this wine, which not only provides a
stellar value at this price, but allows you bragging rights since Canard wines
are not easy to get your hands on.
ORIGIN: Napa, California
PRICE: $45/ 750ML
ALCOHOL: 14.9%
BOOZEHOUNDZ SCORE: 92
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