Availability: Direct from winery, select VQA and private stores.
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 400 cases
Date Tasted: October 10th, 2010
Tasting Notes: Fairview Cellars' winemaker and proprietor, Bill Eggert, constructs his wines with longevity in mind. He even adds a "best after" date to the back to give guidance to the consumer as to when the wine should be opened (of course, it's just a guide). For fans of the winery, the release of the latest Madcap Red is always something to look forward to as it is the one red wine Bill makes that has been built to be drunk early, in its youth. It's the first indication as to what Bill's terroir, a 6 acre sight on the Golden Mile Bench, has produced in any given vintage. A litmus test for Fairview fanatics, if you will.
The 2008 yields a cooler, more masculine character of dark berries and fruits with earthy minerals notes and savory flavours. Compared to the 2007, which was warmer and more feminine, the 2008 Madcap, a Merlot-heavy blend, is more serious and conservative. Add creative and mysterious and you have the Don Draper of red blends (the 2007 would be the Peggy Olson - more earnest). Flogging the analogy to death, the 2009 (still in barrel and to be released in Fall 2011) shows the character of Roger Sterling - boisterous and charming. Ok, enough Mad Men references for one review.
Enjoy now on its own or pair with a nice plate of extra-dark chocolate for desert. Drink 2010-2013.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010
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