2011 Levy & McClellan Red

The 2011 Red Wine is bright, focused and beautifully layered. Hints of rose petal, mint, sweet herb and red berries lift from the glass, all supported by lovely veins of underlying salinity. Because of the challenging growing season the 2011 is naturally a bit lithe and medium in body, especially when compared to the norm here, but it is quite pretty just the same.

Bright ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice and mocha on the nose. Dense, sweet and deep, showing compelling energy and early harmony to the dark fruit and floral flavors. At once primary and pliant owing to its layered texture. The rich, thoroughly ripe tannins dust the front teeth on the very long back end. Levy and McClellan ferment this wine entirely in barrel (most of it Taransaud oak) to build its middle palate and soften its naturally strong tannins. The wine is typically low in acidity due to the high level of potassium in this volcanic soil but this 2012 comes across as bright. Outstanding potential here.

Rosemary, sage, leather, tobacco and smoke all add complexity in the 2011 Red Wine. This is an unusually soft, caressing wine with gorgeous contours and tons of personality. The 2011 is soft, mid-weight and beautiful in its balance. It will be interesting to see where the 2011 goes from here. It isn't a huge wine, but the balance is impeccable and gracious.