1999 Terre Rouge "Noir"

Napa Cab? Check. Santa Barbara Pinot? Check. Zin? Check. Chardonnay? Check. American wine month is progressing as planned, I guess. Rhone Ranger? Hmmm - missed one.

The 1999 Terre Rouge Noir "Grande Année" comes from the Sierra Foothills, and is a blend of grenache (45%), mourvedre (35%) and shiraz (20%). According to the maker this is their flagship wine, and the Grande Année tag is used for the best vintages. A deep ruby red with some brick red at the edges, the nose was terrific - starting with charcuterie and black pepper (hungarian salami?), with violet, blackberry, prunes and coffee grounds filling in later. On the palate the wine was hot at first, with big tannins, big fruit and lively acidity having some trouble coming together - a bit heavy and angular. Still an enjoyable package overall, and I would agree with the winemaker that this wine was a "dead ringer" for a Southern Rhône wine (like this CdP). Drink now.
14.5% alcohol
Score: 16.5/20
Price: C$35 (SAQ)

PS - for my regular readers I have been back-posting some notes from the past few weeks...new-old material, if you will...