Marlon Blendo
TASTING NOTES:
GSM - “Dark red fruit aromatics swirled with a subtle spicy blend foretell the deliciousness discovered on the palate. Subtle spicy cedar notes weave through deep lush flavors of black raspberry, strawberry and Bing cherry. The luscious fruit is balanced with an integrated tannin and oak structure that shows a bit of muscle in the broad finish as traces of baking spices and black pepper appear.” (AbV 14.7%, pH 3.67, TA 0.61 g/100mL)
Vignobles - “The aromas offer a lovely medley of subtle red fruit laced with traces of kid-glove leather and loamy soil. Bright, balanced flavors begin and finish the wine, revealing ripe strawberry, pomegranate, dark cherry and a hint of rhubarb. Mid-palate, a spicy cedar essence appears, merging with the vibrant dark flavors. The integrated structure and a touch of dried fine herbs with a lavender essence appear in the long finish.” (AbV 14.5%, pH 3.42, TA 0.64 g/100mL)
Mendo Blendo - “Robust only begins to describe this luscious, intensely flavored wine, but it’s a start. The focused aromatics present perfectly ripened, juicy wild blackberry woven with traces of mocha and oak. The smooth mouthfeel exposes the concentrated flavors of boysenberry, dark cherry and dried strawberry. As the structure appears mid-palate, so do delicious notes of chocolate, creamy coffee and just a hint of pear. The rich intensity lingers on, leaving you time to wonder if it’s too soon for the next sip.” (AbV 14.8%, pH 3.36, TA 0.7 g/100mL)
VARIETALS: GSM is 50% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre. Vignobles is 50% Carignane, 25% Syrah, 25% Petite Sirah. Mendo Blendo is 50% Petite Sirah, 36% Syrah, 7% Grenache, 7% Carignane.
BARRELS: 22 - 25 months with GSM and Vignobles in mostly French oak, Mendo Blendo in a mix of barrels.
PAIRS WITH: Pair the GSM with beef stew or pork tenderloin with pears and shallots.
Pair the Vignobles with herbs de Provence pork chops or classic cassoulet with white beans, sausage and chicken. Pair the Mendo Blendo with Sicilian pasta with creamy pistachio sauce, slow-roasted rosemary garlic lamb shanks, or Tuscan pork stew.
THAT REMINDS ME OF: Marlon Brando. An early Happy Birthday to the late Marlon Brando in about three weeks.