Jeff’s Corner 11-30-16

Howdy!

Once again, let’s circle the wagons and have a get-together for the new 2014 GCV Rendezvous. We released it about a week ago, and since then it has been stealing the show.

The ’14 Rendezvous, like the ’13, is a bright, fruity Rhone-style blend that fills a wonderful niche in our portfolio. It is our lightest red wine in terms of texture and body, and to me is best served slightly chilled, around 55 degrees. This makes it ideal for novice red drinkers, and when someone asks me what we have that is comparable to a Pinot Noir, it is my go to wine.

As mentioned, our Rendezvous is a blend of predominately Rhone Valley varietals from southeastern France that are having a delightful get-together in our glass. It includes about 29% Grenache, 26% Syrah, 11% Cinsault, 11% Viognier, 9% Mourvedre, and 9% Carignane. I know, for some of you doing math, this is only 95%. There were also 5% drop-in guests who were, to quote Mark Twain, “non-namus”.

This is the first vintage to feature Grenache. Grenache (or Granacha in Spain, its original home) is widely planted around the world, and does exceptionally well in the southern Rhone and Provence. It loves a hot, dry climate and produces a lively, fruity wine with low tannins.

The 2014 shows dazzling clarity, with brilliant hues of cherry and ruby. I tasted it on my back porch in mid-afternoon sunlight, and the color reminded me of certain shades of glass in some of Kathy’s stained-glass windows.

The aromas were a bit shy at first, but after about 20 minutes in the glass the fruit and flowers bloomed like springtime. Cherry, red plum, and strawberry danced with clove, cinnamon, and anise. After about 40 minutes, like the ’13, lovely floral nuances of rose petals and wild flowers from the Viognier joined the party.

The flavors, like the aromas, show the delicate complexity coupled with finesse and balance that to me have become the hallmark of Jason’s wines. With very soft oak and tannin, the bright fruit flavors carry the wine across our entire palate and are well-integrated with lively acids on the finish.

This is a wonderful wine to share with friends, and is very versatile with all sorts medium-bodied entrees or heavy hor d’oeuvres. A bit more specific, let’s try it with a wild mushroom fettuccine Alfredo or maybe some red beans and rice with smoked sausage and corn bread. Again, let’s serve this slightly chilled.

We’ll see ya soon…