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Buy It Now
Bryter Estates
2014 Fortunata, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Pair this wine with:
Category: Bordeaux Red Varietal Blend
Date Tasted:
3/6/2018
Country: USA
Alcohol: 15.6%
Buy It Now
92 Points
Gold Medal
Exceptional
$70
Bryter Estates
2014 Fortunata, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Pair this wine with:
Category: Bordeaux Red Varietal Blend
Date Tasted:
3/6/2018
Country: USA
Alcohol: 15.6%
Rich black violet color. Aromas of mulberries, dried strawberry, dark plum, and cedar with a tannic, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a medium-long black cassis, pine wood, tar, and dried rose finish with coating, firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A Napa blend built for the long haul; cellar to discover its true potential.
Tasting Info
Style:
Oaky & Rich & Full
Aroma:
mulberries, dried strawberry, dark plum, and cedar
Flavor:
black cassis, pine wood, tar, and dried rose
Sweetness:
Dry
Enjoy:
In 3-6 years with food
Pairing:
Red Wine Braised Shortribs, Grilled Flank Steak with Bacon Balsamic Glaze, Beef Stew
Bottom Line:
A Napa blend built for the long haul; cellar to discover its true potential.
The Producer
BRYTER Estates
PO Box 717
Napa, CA 94559
USA
1 707-363-0525
www.bryter.com
Their Portfolio
89
•
Bryter Estates 2012 Fortunata, Napa Valley
14.9%
(USA) $70.00.
91
•
Bryter Estates 2013 Amoroso, California
14.9%
(USA) $45.00.
92
•
Bryter Estates 2013 Maritus, Napa Valley
14.8%
(USA) $80.00.
90
•
Bryter Estates 2013 Inspired Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley
14.9%
(USA) $125.00.
90
•
Bryter Estates 2014 Cadeau Sunchase Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
14.8%
(USA) $60.00.
92
•
Bryter Estates 2014 Inspired, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley
15.2%
(USA) $125.00.
92
•
Bryter Estates 2014 Fortunata, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
15.6%
(USA) $70.00.
92
•
Bryter Estates 2014 Barrel Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley
14.8%
(USA) $165.00.
90
•
Bryter Estates 2015 Cadeau Sunchase Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
14.7%
(USA) $60.00.
85
•
Bryter Estates 2016 Jubile Rosé Potter Valley, Pinot Noir, Mendocino
14.1%
(USA) $32.00.
94
•
Bryter Estates 2013 Inspired Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley
14.9%
(USA) $125.00.
Bordeaux Red Varietal Blend
Serve in a Cabernet Wine Glass
About
Bordeaux Red Varietal Blend
The greatness of red wines from France's Bordeaux region can be largely attributed to the art of blending. There are five red varieties that can be used in a Bordeaux red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec (this last is rarely seen anymore in Bordeaux).
The reason for blending several grapes to craft the final wine is for greater complexity as well as elegance. Each grape has various characteristics and can attribute special qualities to the final wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful and tannins, while Merlot has lighter tannins, while Cabernet Franc has a spicy, peppery quality to it. Blending these grapes together will round out all of these qualities; sort of a "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts" rationale.
This principal of blending is used in many regions besides Bordeaux, especially in California, were the blends are often given proprietary names, like Opus One, Insignia, and Quintessa. US blends of Bordeaux varietals may also be labeled, in addition to their proprietary name, by the designation of Meritage if they are approved and licensed by the Meritage Alliance.
Blending in Bordeaux is common not only on the prestigious wines from historic estates that cost hundreds of dollars per bottle, but also on the lighter-styled wines that are priced in the mid-teens. Aging potential can often be directly linked to the price of the wine, from three to five years to three to five decades.
Pair these wines with most red meats, games or roasts.
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