WineSmith Cellars Tannat

Tasting notes & discussion 168

Clark on the Tannat

Typically $40/bottle from WineSmith Cellars
Vintage 2019 from Clarksburg (Yolo County)
Available for AZ; CA; CO; CT; DC; FL; GA; IA; ID; IL; IN; KS; LA; MA; MD; ME; MI; MN; MO; MT; NC; ND; NE; NJ; NM; NV; NY; OH; OK; OR; PA; RI; SC; SD; TN; TX; VA; VT; WA; WI; WV; WY
Sold by WineSmith Cellars, fulfilled by Wine Country Connect

About WineSmith Cellars
Founded in 1993 by Clark Smith, WineSmith Cellars has been focused on exploring Eurocentric wines in ways outside the mainstream. Preferring to create long-term relationships with many different vineyards, WineSmith sources from committed growers rather than run its own vineyard. Clark Smith is an expert in Cabernet Franc, with over 20 vintages from multiple locations. Some of the most notable aspects of Smith’s wines are their longevity, balance, structural integrity, and “understated soulfulness.” In addition, the wines are often aged prior to being released. His book, Postmodern Winemaking, contains four decades of insight and reflection on wine’s true nature.

Clarks

TASTING NOTES:
“I was delighted to find a rare planting of this little-known grape in Clarksburg, California. It was even more astonishing to discover how oily and feminine the Tannat wines from this special vineyard proved to be. Generally, Tannat needs several years to soften and open, yet here we are, just 18 months after vintage, bottling a highly drinkable wine with round, voluptuous mouthfeel. The nose is instantly alluring. These generous and approachable tannins support intriguing aromas of tar, violets and sweet fennel.” (AbV 12.9%, pH 3.53, TA 6.1 g/L)

BARRELS:
15 months in neutral French oak.

TANGENTIALLY RELATED FACT to help you make conversation over this wine:
Released in 1994, the film Clerks was shot for only $27,575 in convenience and video stores that the director, Kevin Smith, actually worked in. To fund the film, Smith had to do the following: sell a large part of his comic book collection, max out 10 credit cards, college tuition, and insurance from a flood-damaged car. Additionally, the movie was shot in only 21 days and only in the middle of the night when at the convenience store. Smith was still working there during the day, so he only got an hour of sleep each day.

PAIRS WITH (winery recommended):
Peppered steak, or with grilled duck breast. In fact, check out Clark’s own video on how he prepares it.

OR (really-going-with-the-theme-option):
When you’re not even supposed to be here today.

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