Anarchist Wines
Disclaimer: We received these bottles from Anarchist Wines as samples.
Anarchist Wines seems an odd choice of name. The image evoked by that name is of a chap with a bottle in hand. That bottle, though, containing gasoline and not wine. That stereotype is not what inspired the company’s name. Their website contains a quote from an Apple campaign that clarifies how they see their name:
Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes … the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. … You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. … They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.
These words were the introduction to “Think Different”. Those two words seem to fit this winery based on the red wine we tasted.
Rage Against the Machine
A few years ago we were drinking wines from Suisun Valley with Stu Smith, winemaker at Smith Madrone. He described one of the wines as a “kitchen sink blend”. The white wine was a mix of many grape varieties and not a traditional blend. Anarchist Wines’ “Rage Against the Machine” falls into that same category. It also reflects that “Think Different” ethos. The company’s address is on Bordeaux Way in Napa. This blend bears no relation to those from that storied French region.
Syrah 38%, Sangiovese 38%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10%, Petit Verdot 4%, Gewürztraminer 3%, Petite Sirah 3%, Viognier 2%, Zinfandel 2%.
The grapes for this blend hail from Santa Barbara County.
Tasting Notes
The wine was garnet coloured and translucent in the glass. On pouring the wine, there were distinct aromas of warm metal. These faded as the wine rested in the glass. The nose developed to offer cranberry, blackberry, and eucalyptus.
The taste was of sour cherry and sage. The acidity started to emerge in the mid-palate. The well-integrated tannins made themselves known in the finish through a drying of the mouth. Amber thought better of this wine than I did on first sip. Time and a revisit improved how the wine worked for me.
Rosé Against the Machine
Our second bottle from Anarchist Wine was their 2019 Rosé from Clarksburg. Whilst the blend is not as convention defying as its red brother, it is still an unusual trio to see together.
Tempranillo 84%, Mourvèdre 15%, Pinot Noir 1%
Tasting Notes
The wine was salmon colour with a tinge of orange. The nose was subtle; mineral driven with a flourish of herbs.
The taste lush with soft fruit. Under ripe strawberry over green apple acidity. Dry but not austere. The wine has heft and a good degree of personality. This was a thoroughly enjoyable glass; easy to drink alone but with enough body to pair well with food.
Buying Anarchist Wines
You can buy the wines here
Rage Against the Machine sells for $42.00
Rosé Against the Machine sells for $24
Until the end of February 2021 ground shipping is free if you order four or more bottles.
