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Testa Vineyards
2009 Black "DUE"
Mendocino County, CA
Gaetano and Maria Testa established Testa Vineyards in 1912. However, it wasn't until 2010 that the Testa family produced their first bottling. For nearly 100 years, the Testas worked as farmers, growing grapes for other wineries from their highly regarded ranch. Today Testa grows organically certified Carignane, Petite Sirah, Barbera, Grenache, Zinfandel, Charbono and Cabernet Sauvignon to sell to fellow Mendocino vintners as well as blending into their own wines. The 2009 Black "DUE" is a blend of Carignane, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's aromas are subtle with playful fruit punch and cherry candy notes. The nose is deceptively lightweight, however. On the palate, the DUE offers a sophisticated array of bright, tart, dark brooding fruit flavors. Tart cranberry acidity balances black currant and cherry richness with black pepper on the finish giving the blend an attractive bite. We appreciate that the wine is made with a light hand, allowing the quality and characteristics of the grapes to shine. Try it with light meat dishes like an herb-rolled pork tenderloin or garlic roast quail. It would also work well with Italian sausage pizza, pepper-crusted tuna or a platter of grilled vegetables.
Rating: 14.5/20
Price: $20
Other Red blends we have tasted
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For more information, see our Testa Vineyards winery profile |
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