Happy Sunday! I spent the afternoon doing laundry and preparing for classes, then since it was a little cooler today (only the low 80s), I decided to go for a bike ride which was very pleasant (I even chased a squirrel across the river bridge, which was fun!). Now, I am ready for a hearty Sunday dinner and a nice glass of wine. Tonight, since I know I am having Italian, I decided to open a bottle of 2017 Reininger Cima, a classic Super Tuscan style blend of Sangiovese (42%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%) and Merlot (25%) sourced from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington. Let's see if I chose wisely!
The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a dark and brooding testament to the heavy hands of Cabernet and Merlot in the blend. The nose is pleasant blend of ripe blackberry, currant and plum, with undertones of leather, earthy peat and a bit of tobacco. The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit with just a hint of sweetness that relents as notes of white pepper spice and cured meats take center stage midpalate. Nicely structured tannins provide the backbone for a long, graceful finish that will have you reaching for another sip before you realize it.
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, it's just a bit different than a typical Super Tuscan, with a bit more meat on the bone, making this ideal for heartier dishes. This wine would pair well with a range of big meals, from Bistecca alla fiorentina to hearty pasta with Italian sausage. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some eggplant parmigiana made with the sauce I made earlier this fall and some fresh eggplant that was picked on Friday. Cheers!
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