Our friend Dave brought over a bottle of the 2008 Pasos Vineyards Tannat to share the other night. The grapes are from the Bartholomew Family Vineyard in the new Alta Mesa appellation near Elk Grove, California. Having never had Tannat before I didn’t know what to expect and I don’t know if this wine is varietally true. However, it is a really excellent wine.
The color was a dark ruby and the nose was dark fruit, perfume and eucalyptus forest. The flavors were big and complex dark fruit, black pepper and spice. There were substantial tannins but they were so well integrated you hardly noticed and there was enough acidity to balance it all out. The finish was moderate length and I highly recommend this wine.
