Availability: Direct from winery here and private wine shops
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 400 cases
Date Tasted: June 14th, 2011
Tasting Notes: Calling the Two Hoots an "entry level" wine undermines its quality and provenance and I will cease to do so. It is the cheaper of the two Meritage-styled blends that winemaker Bill Eggert produces yearly at his Golden Mile Bench winery, but it is a solid wine in its own right that deserves more attention for its balance, ageability and affordability. It is rare to be able to add a bottle to one's cellar, confident of its development, for only $25.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes from both the Fairview Cellars home vineyard and the Nk'Mip vineyard on the Black Sage Bench delivering sublime dark berry, cocoa, spicy oak and vanilla characters the nose and dry palate. More concentrated than its 2008 predecessor due to the hotter than average vintage, producing a pleasing texture of juicy fruit, smoke and tart acid.
This youthful wine will benefit from a little patience and bottle aging. Bill's recommendation is post-December 2013 (as printed right on the back label) to open this wine, but I think mid-2012 will do just fine to mellow the acid and soften the tannins. Drink mid-2012-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca
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