Taste a new bottle of wine, of course! This is one of my stipulations for me to sit and watch “Trash TV” with my wife. Not a bad trade off if you ask me, seeing that I would probably have to sit there and watch it anyway. At least this way I get to enjoy some good wine and do “research” for my blog.
Last night’s adventure was the 2006 Girard Artistry from Napa Valley. I have previously tasted the Girard Petite Sirah and enjoyed it, but did not know what to expect from the Artistry. Let’s just say that I was pleasantly surprised!
The Artistry is a blend of five Bordeaux-varietal grapes which is made up of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 13% Petite Verdot, 8% Malbec and 7% Merlot. I will admit that I am not a huge fan or Petite Verdot or Merlot, but it all works in this blend. The nose gives off hints of ripe fruit that invites you in. I typically prefer to decant almost all of my red wines, but this one was near perfection right out of the gate. My first impression that this was a very approachable wine that was ready to be had right now. Kind of like your date on prom night!!! The palate offers nice structured texture with flavor of currants, chocolate and blackberry. The tannins are very well integrated and not overpowering which leads into a medium velvet like finish. Even though I do not feel that this wine needed to be decanted, I did let it breathe in the glass for about 10-15 minutes and it kept getting better.
Would I buy/drink this wine again? At $30, which is what I was able to find this at one of our local big box wine shops, your damn right I would! I think at $30 – $40 this is a must have for an everyday don’t break my wallet drinking wine.
I would give this wine 4 out of a possible 5 corks.
