Tasting Delfosse Grand Cru Olivier

Name: Delfosse

Variety: Grand Cru Olivier (38% Merlot 25% Petit Verdot 25% Cabernet Sauvignon 12% Cabernet Franc)

Region: Virginia
Country: U.S.

Year: 2011

Price: $20

Delfosse Review: 38% Merlot 25% Petit Verdot 25% Cabernet Sauvignon 12% Cabernet Franc aged 8 months in French oak barrels.  Bright cherry and cranberry notes dominate the nose, with a touch of soft toast and vanilla.  Good ripe tannins add structure and balance to the mix of cherry and raspberry flavors.  The wine has great length and mid-palate intensity that will allow it to age nicely for 5-7 years.  Will pair well with heavier meats and game.    

My Review: There is something about the color of this wine that does not seem inviting.  There is nothing particularly different about it, but I’m not really excited to try it.  It does not smell too fruity or floral too me, maybe a little spicy.  This wine is extremely dry and very bitter.  It tastes a little like under-ripe blackberries, which is not a pleasant taste.  It tastes like unripe fruit in general.  Maybe it would be very different with food.  The bottle I tried is only one year old, so maybe in the 5-7 suggested years it will not be so abrasive.