This week our Bargain Wine of the Week, Herrick Red Wine, has a surprising pedigree for a $12 bottle. Conn Creek is a winery on Silverado Trail that specializes in single AVA Cabernet Sauvignon, but also makes an excellent Cab blend from vineyards across Napa Valley. Conn Creek does not charge crazy prices for their wine, but when I saw a bottle at Costco for $12, I had to give it a try.
The 2013 Herrick Red Wine is a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Syrah, 6% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 4% Primitivo (Zinfandel); in other words, not a traditional Bordeaux blend.
The wine was a dark purple. The nose was intense, in which fruit aromas dominated, with a backing of leather. The wine exhibited a rich mouthfeel, with tannins that initially felt moderate, but sparkled in the long finish. The flavours matched the nose, with blackberry and sour cherry, with a sprinkle of pepper. This was a wine that would pair well with steak but had a balance that makes it suitable for drinking on its own.
The Herrick Red Wine generally sells for about $25. At that price, the wine is good value. Given that we purchased the bottle for less than half that, it is one of the best bargains we have found.
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Conn Creek wines are always a safe bet: high quality at an affordable price. Also widely available!