When I first cracked open this bottle and smelled it, I knew something was different. Yes, it had the aromas of Pinot Noir but there was another layer of sum’in sumin’. Familiar yet not placeable. Along with the expected earthy mushrooms and tart cranberry were black pepper spiciness, red raspberry and full frontal fruit. Hmm… cool climate area. How odd.
Then I read the tasting notes. 12% Malbec. Bingo! An unusual move by Hayman and Hill’s winemaker Jamie Meves, but it added a deliciously fruity nuance to a normally austere wine. Along with the raspberry and cherry, this light-bodied, dry red wine has a subtle essence of lush vanilla and high acidity. Definitely a food wine.
Sweetness: 1 out of 10
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Price: $18 – $22
Occasion: Tasted a sample sent to me by the winery.
Food pairing: Anything with mushroom sauce or that has a predominant mushroom flavor.
Availability: Find a retailer or restaurant near you that sells it on their website.
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