B Cellars 2009 Blend 24 - Review

Napa Valley, California

Our Selection for Wine of the Week March 18, 2013

Founded in 2003, B Cellars is the collaboration between food-loving vintners Jim Borsack and Duffy Keys. Although the winery does produce a few single varietal wines, the ambitious founders have put an emphasis on blending, both of varietals and grapes from vineyards across the Napa Valley. Their aim is to create a lineup of food-friendly blends, and they currently produce one white and four red blends. Blend 24 is an unusual mix of 56 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 22 percent Sangiovese and 22 percent Syrah. Strawberry and blackberry notes dominate on the nose with a wild game and musk note lingering in the background. Bright, luscious fruit flavors greet the front of the palate. Exceedingly smooth, it could almost be dismissed as boring if it weren't for the intriguing tease of espresso and bitter bramble toward the back of the palate. A final hint of raspberry sweetness intermingled with oaky smoke give the wine a pleasing and reasonably long finish. Made in a remarkably food-friendly style, 24 would work well with a wide range of foods from herb roasted lamb shank to duck tacos or pasta in a rustic tomato sauce. Food and Wine Pairing

B Cellars 2009 Blend 24

Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese & Syrah
Rating: 14/20
Price: $49

Other red blends we have tasted
Learn about Napa Valley Winery Organizations
Check out our Napa/Sonoma Travel Guide

For more information, visit www.bcellars.com

See also:
Tasting Notes on B Cellars 2009 Blend 25

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PBH031213

(Updated: 03/15/13 BH)