Sunday, September 2, 2012

Kinkead Ridge 2010 Red Wines


It's always a fun day when the best local winery releases their wines, and yesterday Kinkead Ridge released their 2010 red wines. There's always a good crowd,  and the crowd always has a good time and yesterday was no exception despite the overcast skies and the continuing threat of predicted downpours from the remnants of Hurricane Isaac. Fortunately, Isaac was just about the only no show for the day.

Let's start with a wine that was far and away my favorite of the four wines released, the 2010 Syrah.  The wine was a dark purple color and was a bit paler at the edges - almost an electric purple.  Wonderful fruity nose on this wine with bits of oak and a hint of smoke.  It has deep flavors of black and red plums and white pepper, very deep flavors.  The wood is noticeable but not overpowering and there is a good amount of tannin.  The acid is great in this wine and it gives the wine a sharpness and an edge that balances out the deep flavors.  The finish is long and smooth.  Over the years I've tasted nearly every vintage of their red wines on release and this one is certainly at the very top.  A year or so ago I opened a 2005 Syrah and it was the best wine I've had from Kinkead Ridge.  I'm hoping for the same with this wine.  14.8 % alcohol, $20.99. 91 cases produced.

Next in line for me was the Cabernet Sauvignon.  This was an inky dark wine that never thought about paling at the edges.  It had a big, muscular frame that was evident just from the aromas.  It had rich flavors of black cherries, black currants, oak and vanilla.  There was nothing shy or reticent about this wine.  It made a delicious statement.  Good acid, strong tannin and a mouth filling finish.  Very young and needs a couple of years to come together.  15.2% alcohol.  $20.99. 180 cases produced.

Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot tomorrow.

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