March 22, 2023
10 American Red Wines Perfect for Grilling Season
Still
Scott Kirkpatrick
Lake County
Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Primitivo, Syrah (Shiraz), Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel
The vineyard and the wine are a treasure trove of pre-Prohibition grape varieties with an emphasis on Zinfandel, Cinsault, and Alicante Bouschet. The blend is accented by plantings of Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Counoise, and a host of other interesting grape varieties. to date, 24 have been identified, with many rarely found in California' s north coast.
Lake County's Kelsey Bench AVA offers mildly rocky, red volcanic elements mixed with alluvial loams. The vineyard sits at 1450 ft. and this elevation, along with the cooling effects of the lake and the nearby mountains, create 50 degree diurnal temperature swings, producing wine of excellent acidity, improved tannin structure and darker, more complex fruit characteristics.
Dancing Crow owns 3 parcels of estate land totaling to 56 acres under vine. The vineyard elevations range from 1400-1500 feet and the diverse set of vines are anywhere from 4 to 120 years old. All soils are volcanic influenced; a dense black clay for the Sauvignon Blanc, and red, iron-rich, alluvial soils for the Old Stake Vineyard.
The grapes were harvested together and co-fermented in the style of traditional field blends. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Aged for 8 months in French Oak.
Cork
0.750
New Jersey and New York
Dried herb and piney resinous aromas are best described as "garrigue-like." On the palate, flavors of sun-baked fruits shine alongside robust, slightly tart, huckleberry and Mission fig flavors. The finish provides notes of mocha and oak while giving hints of toast and subtle sweetness.