Sharon’s Wine Pick of the Week: Villa Creek Granadina 2009

Villa Creek Granadina 2009, Paso Robles, $50
 
This wine knocked me off my socks.  I’ve always been a fan—and member—of Villa Creek in Paso Robles.  I’ve had three amazing wine tastings with Villa Creek winemaker Chris Cherry, learning all about the special characteristics of the artisanal, bold new wines coming out of Central California.  Granadina is something unique—it’s 50% cabernet sauvignon from Carver vineyard and 50% mourvedre from Denner vineyard.  So the wine was crafted from exceptional grapes and only 190 cases were produced.  Each varietal was aged on its own for a year before they were blended.  The result is a complex, layered, completely rich wine that boasts ripe, dark fruit such as black cherries with a subtle leather-cedar quality.  The wine unfolds, the first sip—with a long, intriguing finish—makes you want to come back for the next taste.  It’s definitely got a solid structure thanks to the cab, but the mourvedre adds a subtle ripe, sweetness and smokey-leather quality.  This wine is a joy; it might be hard to find and the price sets it apart—this is definitely not your ordinary table wine for a Wednesday night.  This wine deserves—and demands—to be appreciated.  I think it would be wonderful paired with something savory—such as truffled gnocchi or grilled portabello mushrooms—or even with a plate of dark chocolate, almonds and pomegranates.  I give this wine a 95 on my scale of 100.


Monday, December 17, 2012