The 2013 Tenet 'The Pundit' is a lovely dense effort for fall
Fall is almost here. We were spoiled this summer with hot summer days, sipping Rose in the sun. We are back at the rainy season (red wine season), but at least there’s football. Here are some delicious Washington red wine picks for fall that won’t disappoint, as temperatures drop and people move to fuller bodied wines. I’ve added potential good food pairings because that’s what somms like to do! These wines also pair nicely with Seahawks football. . .
2013 Tenet ‘The Pundit’-This wine is made from 94% Syrah, 3% Grenache, 2% Mourvèdre, 1% Viognier that’s co-fermented with Viognier. It was aged 12 months in 61% neutral oak with 23% new French oak and 16% new American oak. The resultant Columbia Valley Syrah has a super dark color. There are lovely aromatics of smoked meats, tar, black olive and black cherry. Flavors of blackberry, cloves, black olive and smoked meats. Lovely smooth finish as this one glides. This open and polished dense wine is one to pair with a juicy ribeye and is strikingly familiar to the Ethos style of Syrah. Drink 2015-2022. -92 $25.00
Why this pairing works?- The 2013 Tenet ‘The Pundit’ is a dense wine that has light tannin which will cut through the richness of the ribeye steak. While the classic pairing for ribeye steak is Cabernet, this is one that is a bit outside the box but has enough density and acid structure to work nicely with a deliciously fatty steak.
2012 Novelty Hill Merlot- This Merlot is blended with 3% Cabernet. Lighter purple hue with aromas reminiscent of oak, vanilla, red cherry and boysenberry. Mouthfeel is smooth and elegant, leading to rich flavors of black cherry, blackberry and figs. This Merlot impresses for the price. I could see this pairing nicely with a slow cooked pot roast. Drink 2015-2020. -91 $20.00
Why this pairing works?- The 2012 Novelty Hill Merlot is balanced with a nice acid structure that will work nicely with the fat content in pot roast. The dark fruit flavors of the Merlot will also nicely complement the flavors and richness of pot roast, whereas a super heavy wine like Petite Sirah might overpower the meat and its accompanying flavors.
2013 Les Trouves Red- This is an unknown blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre that the winery leaves as a mystery to the consumer. Based on my testing, I’d speculate a higher percentage of Grenache, rather than Syrah, as this has lovely fineness and is slightly on the feminine side. Made from declassified barrels from around the state, this wine has a light red color with a brownish hue. Lovely nose with provencale herbs, anise and raspberry. The mid palate offers a polished mouthfeel that asks for another glass. The flavors of raspberry, spicecake, and vanilla cherry. The winery owner views as a crack and pour. This will nicely complement herb roasted chicken, with red wine sauce. Drink 2015-2020. -91 $25.00
Why this pairing works? –The 2013 Les Troves Red has a lovely herbal character, particularly Provencale herbs, that will connect with herbal element in the chicken. Chicken requires a wine that has good balance and depth but is not so heavy that it will overpower the flavors of the bird. This is a balanced and fruit driven wine that is the perfect match for roasted chicken.