Style Heavy red New World Country USA (CA) Price $14
Vintage tasted 2008 Grapes Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, Merlot
Website www.clayhousewines.com

Overview The grapes in this hearty wine read like a laundry list of the great New World red varietals. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Syrah (under its Aussie name of Shiraz) all reached their apogee—or at least intense notoriety—far from Europe. So it’s hardly surprising that this blend should be big, juicy, full of oak, and stereotypically New World in style. We have to admit, it’s a blast to see how well these New World titans can play together.

Nose It’s huge and aggressive, with ripe berries, dark chocolate, cola, and even some floral and herbal aromas. Definitely New World.

Mouth More red fruit and oak here, along with caramel and toffee. The tannins are quite elegant for a wine this size.