Blackstone – 2007 Sonoma Reserve Rubric
December 19, 2009
The Facts:
Blackstone has had some ubiquitous selections on store shelves for years now. These everyday priced offerings have recently been augmented with the addition of a Sonoma County series of wines. The Blackstone 2007 Sonoma Reserve Rubric is made from fruit sourced in Dry Creek Valley (59%), Sonoma County (20%), Sonoma Valley (15%), and Alexander Valley (6%). This offering blends Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Malbec (14%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Petit Verdot (8%), Tannat (7%), Merlot (5%), and Petite Sirah (3%). Oak aging occurred over 20 months in combination of new and older barrels. 7,000 cases of this wine were produced and the suggested retail price is $22.99.
Gabe’s Take:
Over the years come of the words I’ve associated with Blackstone wines are value, availability, and popularity. Their Merlot which sells for around $10 is particularly well known and its one of those wines just about everyone you run into either drinks regularly, did at some point, or at the very least has tasted it. With that in mind I was very curious and eager to see what Blackstone was accomplishing with a new Reserve tier of wines. That the series is from Sonoma County, and utilizes Dry Creek Valley fruit, only piqued my curiosity further.
Plum, violets, and black raspberry aromas are prominent components of the nose of this wine. They’re underscored by cedar notes and hints of vanilla. When this wine if first opened it’s a bit tight and decanting is highly recommended. An hour in the decanter did the trick. Once it gets that air it needs a solid core of rich berry fruit, with a layer of spice characteristics overlaying it is revealed. These spice notes lead right into the finish which features dusty baker’s chocolate and lots of earth. Rubric has firm but yielding tannins and solid acidity. Full flavored foods will be the best accompaniment for this wine in its youth.
If you’ve had the entry level Blackstone wines here’s one to try for the holidays or perhaps to gift to a friend. For $22.99 this wine offers a lot of value in a Meritage inspired blend. Considering 7,000 cases were made this won’t be difficult to find either. It’s good to see Blackstone make a higher echelon wine and even nicer to see them utilizing Dry Creek Valley Fruit.
Please vote for Drink Dry Creek!
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