Salute the Newt!

It's been just a week since learning of the tragic death of Deb Whiting and, in honor of her, we opened a bottle of Red Newt Cellars 2008 Viridescens - a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Cabernet Franc, and 4%Merlot.  We tasted this wine several times in the tasting room and loved it but it was after having it as part of a flight at dinner at the RN Bistro that we decided to spring for a couple of bottles.

When we tasted it last fall, it was a real spit-sucker.  That's not to say it was unpleasant, it is to say that it was drinking very young and the tannins were very firm.  Having said that, an additional eight months in bottle has done wonderful things for this wine! 

The initial oakiness on the nose blew off quickly and a fruity, almost jammy nose emerged.  Dark and brooding, we got plum, casis, and a hint of tobacco on the palate and a leather, cigar boxy finish.  Kind of like men's club in a bottle but without the smoke.  It was a lovely pairing with our eggplant-zucchini ragout...what was left of it, anyway.  Here's to you, Deb...and the entire Red Newt family.  Cheers!