Complicated Red Blend 2018
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Enthusiast
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Suckling
James
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The 2018 Complicated Red Wine is sourced from Monterey County and is an approachable red wine blend that intrigues with old world elegance. Flavors offer dark cherry, raspberry preserve and chocolate. Beautiful ruby in color, this red wine has inviting aromas of raspberry, blackberry and violets, framed with subtle nuances of tobacco and cedar box. The palate of this wine is medium-bodied with a pleasing acidity and clean finish, making it an exceptionally food-friendly wine. Pairs well with cheese, fruit and nut-based charcuterie boards. Once fermentation was complete, the highest quality lots were blended and aged to ensure the best aromatic and structural components worked in harmony. Complicated Wines are designed to look and taste great, and show you how uncomplicated well-crafted wine can be.
This bottle of wine has 14.1% alcohol by volume.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Precise aromas of baked boysenberry, smashed granite and red flowers make for a rounded nose. The palate is elegantly framed by pinpoint tannin's, starting with flavors of lavender, violet and lilac that lead into a spicy hint of white pepper and a fresh currant tone. Editors’ Choice.
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James Suckling
Blueberry, blackcurrant and blackberry on the nose with hints of fresh herbs. Medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy and creamy on the palate with a velvety texture. Fruity finish. Drink now.
Other Vintages
2020-
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
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With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
A geographic and climatic paradise for grape vines, Monterey is a part of the greater Central Coast AVA and contains within it five smaller sub-appellations, including Arroyo Seco, San Lucas, San Bernabe, Hames Valley and the famous Santa Lucia Highlands. The climate is relatively warm but tempered by cool, coastal winds, allowing the regions in Monterey County an exceptionally long growing season. Bud break often happens two weeks sooner and harvest tends to be two weeks later compared to other surrounding regions.
Monterey’s coastal side, where the cooling ocean fog allows grapes to develop a perfect sugar-acid balance, excels in the production of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Warmer, inland subzones are home to fleshy, concentrated and full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.
Chardonnay, covering about 40% of vineyard acreage, is the most widely planted grape in all of Monterey County.