Tonight I am reviewing the Liberty School 2008 Cuvee, an interesting blend that I've never tried before. In the past I've tried Liberty School's cabernet sauvignon and was a pretty big fan, a nice bold cab at an awesome price. So I happened upon this wine at my regular rounds to G. B. Russo's in Grand Rapids and it was on sale for something like $10, which is sure to get me to try new things. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed.
The Liberty School Cuvee comes from Paso Robles, on the central coast of California, and a place where some of the most wonderful Zinfandels come. But this wine is not a Zin, but an up and coming blend (which apparently is becoming a big deal in the central coast, who knew?). This wine is a blend of Syrah, Petite Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Viognier, making it so close to the fine blends from the south of France that I have so come to adore.
This wine is a lighter style that is really perfect for summer, or a summery 80-degree afternoon in early October! It's light in color, but crystal clear, with a nose that exhibits clear fruit aromas of cherry, blackberry and currant and a hint of smokiness. The taste was lighter and fruit forward, but nonetheless complex. With flavors of cherry, strawberry and plum combined with hints of black pepper and anise, I was surprised by the soft tannins and resulting smooth dry finish reminiscent of the fine blends of the Rhone Valley.
Overall I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, particularly given the $10 price tag! Try some today with a grilled salmon steak or perhaps a nice pork tenderloin with some freshly grilled summer squash!
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