Sipping the 2012 Experience Napa Valley Red Wine during a warm October sunset was a pleasant, uncomplicated experience, just like the wine. Hints of leather and spice on the nose give way to a very sweet palate and mild tannins. The wine is 62% zinfandel, 18% cabernet sauvignon, 15 % petite sirah, 5% merlot. Food pairing? Not so much, maybe some sesame crackers?
Moving on to the 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (100% cabernet), I found slightly finer-grained leather on the nose and blueberry fruit on the palate surrounded by light tannins. Food pairing: surprisingly good with late season corn on the cob.
Both wines could use more development in structure and finish.
I’d been interested in trying this wine since I heard the story of the couple who started this winery: he from Sonoma, she from a UK brewing background. What’s so special about their wines? So far, they’re just a pleasant experience. Oh, I get it…