Donati Family Vineyard The Immigrant Central Coast 2012
The Data
Country USA
Appellation Central Coast
Varietal Red Blend
Retail Price $40
ABV 13.8%
Score 4 Stars/91 points
In the Glass
Appearance
Deepest, darkest ruby red color.
Aromatics
The aromatics are quite complex with scents of wet, fallen leaves, earth, mineral, dense black fruits, tart cherry, and brown baking spices accented by a generous dose of toasted oak.
Flavor
The palate echoes the nose with a dense berry-driven core flanked by generous notes of dried herbs, earth, spice, and oak.
Intensity & Texture
This is a big wine with impeccible balance and great length with moderate tannins.
Cool Factor
This tasty Merlot based blend seamlessly marries ripe, rich fruit and sexy oak flavors making it cool in our world.
Value Grade
In the world of classy California blended reds the price tag is spot on.
Analysis
The blend features a majority of Merlot (86%) with a a strong percentage of inky black Petite Verdot (12%) with a small dose of Cabernet Franc in support. The Immigrant is aged is oak cask for 19 months and features the use of half new barrels: new French Oak 40% with 10% New American Oak, and 50% Neutral Oak.
How to Enjoy
With bright acidity and complex flavors I love this wine with a slow roasted leg of lamb.