2020 SHERIDAN VINEYARDS “MYSTIQUE”
Grapes: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc
Location: Yakima Valley, Washington
Winery Owner/Winemaker: Scott Greer
Approximate retail price: $28
Website: sheridanvineyard.com
TASTING NOTES:
Color: Deep ruby, reflective, opaque
Aroma: Intense cassis laced with violet petal, black cherry, leather, mild tobacco and black tea
Taste: Rich plum and cherry with a hint of blue fruit, balanced minerality and acid, and a long, mouthwatering finish
Sheridan Vineyard was founded in 1997 by Scott Greer in the Yakima Valley in Washington State. Having originally purchased 76 acres, he initially planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, with the first bottling in 2000. Since then he has added Merlot and Chardonnay for a total of 100 acres planted to vine with a total production of 6,000 cases.
The Yakima Valley, Washington’s first AVA (1983), is located in the southern part of the state, in and around the Town of Zillah and extending to the west. It neighbors other AVAs and sub-AVAs such as Rattlesnake Hills, Horses Heaven Hills and Red Mountain. Known not only for its wine production, Yakima Valley also has several fruit orchards of apples, cherries, nectarines, plums, etc., and produces nearly 80 percent of hops in America.
Sheridan’s wines are, in a word, big. Even their Chardonnay, “La Belle Blonde,” though elegant, balanced and smooth, boasts a fair oak treatment and malo-lactic fermentation giving it that oaky-buttery style so widely adored. Their 100 percent Cabernet Franc, “Boss Block,” can easily be marked among the best Francs from the American west coast. The self-described hedonistic “L’Orage”, a Cabernet/Cabernet Franc blend is the more outspoken brother to the “Block 1,” being a more elegant, sexy 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Syrah, “Singularity,” is an intense, inky, rich, smoky king among wines, easily mimicking Northern Rhône’s finest.
Finally, there’s the aptly named “Mystique,” a blend of Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, which compels the mind into the macabre with its velvety texture, spice and rich complexity. The exact blend on this wine changes from vintage to vintage, helping to preserve consistency in style and appeal. For the price, the Mystique is leagues ahead of its competitors, demonstrating superior quality and affordability. Drinkable now and easily over the next 10 to 15 years, the 2016 is a must for any big red drinker.
Food pairings: Grilled rib-eye, roasted lamb, anything smoked, pan-roasted duck and cheeses like blue cheese or Delice de Bourgogne.
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