Derby Fifteen 10 Red Paso Robles 2012

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Paso Robles

Varietal Red Blend

Retail Price $32

ABV 15%

Score 4.5 Stars/94 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, deep ruby color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, tapenade, and plum with supporting notes of mocha and vanilla.

Flavor

The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of cassis with accents of smoked game and black licorice. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins.

Intensity & Texture

Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture.

Cool Factor

We love boutique wineries that do it well using their first-rate grapes to produce wines with style and panache. We are new to the wines from Derby and we will follow them closely going forward.

Value Grade

Sold in the low $30 range it is in the range of many Rhone Ranger wines from California.

Analysis

The Derby's thought that they were retiring in 1992 when they purchased what has become the Derbyshire Vineyard located just one and a half miles from the Pacific Coast. Like many in their position they got the wine bug and turned from grape growers to winemakers in 2008. The Derby Fifteen 10 Red is made with a classic Rhone blend of 35% Mourvedre, 30% Syrah, 17% Grenache, 10% Counoise, and 8% Cinsault. It was aged in French oak, 20% new casks, for a period of 29 months. The wine is named for the vineyard location on Live Oak Road in Paso Robles. This is a bright and juicy wine with great Rhone grapes but the flavors are purely Paso. 94 points.

How to Enjoy

You really need nothing but a glass but this wine is very much at home with grilled meats and vegetables.