Double Gold
TASTING NOTES:
2021 Barbera - “As the wine opens, the enticing aromatics that make you want to dive into the glass shift from pronounced tart cherry and black pepper to ripe blackberry with hints of dried fine herbs. A smooth entry leads into just the right amount of vibrant acidity, making the flavors pop. Savor a fusion of dark cherry, blackberry and dried strawberry laced with traces of dried herbs, black pepper, sweet tobacco, loamy earth and lavender. The layers of flavors create a roundness that balances the bright acidity to offer up a lovely, easy-sipper.” (AbV 15.1%, pH 3.28, TA 0.75 g/100mL)
2020 Zero Manipulation - “Aromas of dark cherry and black raspberry mingle with hints of brown spices and a touch of earthiness. Lively, juicy flavors of black cherry and strawberry fill the palate, while traces of pomegranate and rhubarb add interest and depth. The vivid fruit is balanced with a very subtle essence of mocha-laced oak. The smooth mouthfeel and inviting blend of flavors create an easy drinking, no thinking wine. And yet, the complexity and quality give you pause as you sip this seamlessly delicious Rhône blend.“ (AbV 14.8%, pH 3.35, TA 0.69 g/100mL)
2022 Mendo Blendo - “The blended noble beast. A high class ass. Call it what you like and kick off your heels, this brawny yet silky blend is not shy on personality. 100% sourced from the sustainably farmed Tollini Vineyard in Mendocino each year, the core of the wine is built from the more robust varieties. We bring a little zip and balance with fruitier and spicy blended flavors. Enjoy now or lay it down, this wine lets you have your cake and eat it too.“ (AbV 13.7%)
VARIETALS: Zero Manip is 62% Carignane, 31% Grenache, 7% Syrah. Mendo Blendo is 46% Syrah, 42% Petite Sirah, 8% Grenach, 4% Carignane. Barbera is just Barbera, but we love her for it.
BARRELS: 21-22 months in neutral oak.
PAIRS WITH: Barbera with lasagna with garlic bread, or smoked brisket with curly fries and barbecue sauces from sweet to spicy. Zero Manip with take-out pizza, a Rueben sandwich with fries, or lamb chops with herbs and garlic served with a wild mushroom rice pilaf.
THAT REMINDS ME OF: Double Gold.
I was curious about where the term started to be relevant. I mean, I know it refers to having two gold medals. It’s not like that part’s a mystery. But I was wondering about what competition first started giving out golds in such a way that something like “double gold” would see regular use.
Well, I started looking. And then I got distracted, because there’s a variety of raspberry called Double Gold Raspberry. And I thought that was neat.
