Happy Monday! Today I spent the afternoon trimming branches from some of the smaller trees around the house. These are what I consider the annoying trees, like the thornapples and other trees that can never have straight branches, but only branches that naturally grow into bird nest like monstrosities, but I digress. So after trimming a pile of branches, I am definitely in the mood for a nice glass of wine. Tonight it's a recent wine club selection from Reininger that I've been anxious to try, the 2011 Cima, a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Petit Verdot (17%) and Merlot (8%) from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA. So let's see what I've been waiting for!
The wine is a lovely bright ruby in the glass, typical of the Sangiovese in this Washington Super Tuscan. The nose is a symphony of soft leather, graphite and spice box with emerging hints of ripe cherries and rose petals. The taste is surprisingly youthful despite the more than five years this wine spent in barrel, with lovely notes of strawberry, cherry and red plums bursting forth at the outset, only to give way to some lovely notes of black pepper spice and tart cherry midpalate, no doubt a testament to the wonder of Sangiovese. The finish was velvety smooth, as the tannins were mature and expertly integrated to provide a lasting dry finish that begs you to take another sip.
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, it's just s fantastic and fun wine that speaks volumes to the creativity, passion and talent that Chuck Reininger pours into every bottle. This wine would be great with almost anything, from smoked brisket to roast chicken with fire roasted root vegetables, but tonight it an average day at my house which means I'm enjoying this wine with a wonderful Angus porterhouse, grilled veggies and a baked potato with all the trimmings. Cheers!
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