The art of the blend has long been a winemakers dream. To take seemingly disparate grapes and meld them to create something unique is enticing, and not without the risk of disappointment. Yet Centennial does not disappoint. Here, the blend of 50% Nebbiolo, 25% Nerello Mascalese with smaller amounts of Carignan, Zinfandel and Barbera, are combined to craft a truly unusual and original wine. The fruit here is moderated by the heavy tannic structure, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Light violet, blueberry, lingonberry, loganberry and plum notes dominate, and this avoids any sweet vanilla oak but does provide very light candied smoke. Whereas the tannins are evident, after time, they begin to pull back, revealing a mélange of soft red and black berry fruits. This is an intriguing wine, one that is worth seeking out, if for nothing else, than for the express purpose of discovering something new. ORIGIN: Sonoma County. ALCOHOL: 14.5%
