Today’s Deal ~ 2012 Secret Squirrel Red Blend

$29.95/bottle or $19.95/6+ bottles

HOT WINE DEAL at Carpe Vino TODAY!  Though its named “Secret Squirrel” I don’t think the upper brass at Corliss Winery truly intended it to stay a “SECRET” to the consumer wine world!  Corliss…is one of the premier wineries in Walla Walla (Washington) and was a leader in the revitalization of that town back in the early 2000’s.  With their focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Rhone blends…they craft some of the best wines not only in Washington but all of the west coast regularly receiving mid-90’s scores from WINE ADVOCATE and WINE SPECTATOR.  Their ATTENTION TO DETAIL, is unparalleled to others with extended aging of their wine both in barrel and bottle.  SO…when they decided to put the same effort into a NEW PROJECT consisting of fruit from their ESTATE VINEYARDS for a FRACTION OF THE PRICE, we jumped at the opportunity to purchase SECRET SQUIRREL!

WHAT IS IT?!?  Secret Squirrel is a LIP-SMACKING delicious blend of Syrah (48%), Grenache (32%) and Mourvedre (20%) all sourced from their estate vineyards within the Columbia Valley.  NOW HERE IS THE NITTY GRITTY INFO YOU NEED TO KNOW.  They only produced 1301 cases or roughly 54 barrels with 50% new FRENCH OAK (roughly $800-$1000/barrel) and then aged it for TWENTY-SIX MONTHS!  This is the type of process you tend to find in more exclusive, higher-end projects such as Corliss ($85-$100/bottle) but NOT for a $20/bottle of wine!  YUP…that’s right only $19.95/bottle when you purchase 6 or more!

Don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a strictly a Syrah my friends.  It truly is a Rhone-inspired blend and the use of Grenache and Mourvedre brings intense depth and structure which have been enhanced by the significant aging on French Oak.  With the BBQ season in full swing…this wine will pair perfectly with GRILLED CHICKEN or PULLED PORK SANDIES!  It has bountiful fruit (dark berry) flavors, yet a deep, luscious mouthfeel with plenty of tannins to support most any summer-time dish!

I am fortunate to be able to taste 1000’s of wines a year, but finding true under-the-radar wines from high caliber wineries, produced in small quantities for more than 24 months and priced under $20/bottle…that rarely happens!  So…the secret is out and ready to purchase now!

 

 

Winery Tasting Notes: Syrah 48%, Grenache 32%, Mourvedre 20%

Nose: lilac, violet, rose petal, blackberry, mulberry, raspberry compote, clove, sandalwood, cigar box.

Palate: vibrant, fresh, focused, spiced quince, cranberry, dried fig, wild fruit, tobacco leaf, tar, plush, fleshy, supple tannin, great energy, juicy, lingering.

Cheers,
Drew