2 new from Mike Smith

WINE TALK
1

McGah Family Cellars, under their Scarlett label, recently released 2 wines made by Mike Smith:

2012 Zinfandel–lush, plush with a touch of bramble. Like many Zins the alcohol is over 15% but that is not a problem here. A big wine with good fruit and staying power. $38;

2012 Petit Verdot–medium bodied, focused, sophisticated, graceful. Good depth. Closes with a kiss of cherry. Not as big and dramatic as Mike’s Cabernets but, for me, just as enjoyable. $50.

2

Hey Ray,

I’ve had the zinfandel and liked it. Definitely a bigger style zin, but not overly sweet or jammy to my palate. Just a larger style than the zins I drink most frequently (Ridge, Bedrock).

As for the PV, I nearly opened one on Saturday but thought better of it. Now you’ve got me considering it again. How much air did you give yours and what’s you sense of the drinking window for that wine?

Thanks,
Andy

3

Andy–No air, because we were not sure we would open it . . . blossomed after 30 minutes or so . . . and even better the next day. The balance is impeccable so it will be good drinking for a long time.

Re the Zin: Mike told me that full throttle Turley Zin was his inspiration. Which I find interesting because I am not a fan of Turley Zinfandels. Very happy that I have 2 more of the Scarlett.

4

Thanks, Ray. I may have to give it a whirl when my dad comes to visit for Thanksgiving. If so, maybe I’ll open it a full day in advance. I’m just so curious, having never had a straight PV.

5

Can’t pass this up. Three pack of PV ordered…