Quick-Sip: Napa Turnbull Red Blend

Old Bull Red (2005)
Turnbull Wine Cellars
70% Merlot | 11% Tempranillo | 7% Petite Sirah | 5% Syrah | 4% Sangiovese | 3% Barbera
Napa Valley, California

Appearance: Ruby headed towards garnet red, slightly stained tears, clear, and medium+ intensity. As it opens up I'm thinking of strawberry fruit leather... or Fruit Roll-Ups!

Nose: Medium intensity, clean, developing. Dark fruit, dried floral, cooked berries, blackberry, black cherry, soft oak - maybe cedar, licorice, apple peel.

Palate: Dry, medium- tannin and acidity, medium body, short finish. Flavors of cherry, raspberry, minerality, earth, tobacco, blackberry, stewed fruit, . Alcohol is a little high at 14.1 abv.

This was a bottle that I picked up in Napa during our trip last April. I recall having a good time at the winery - it was either before or after our Opus One visit... not sure if that had any influence. I like the fruit, but the alcohol is a little overpowering - perhaps as it aerates that will blow off some and allow the wine to be a little more expressive. The tannin is pretty smooth and there's not much of a finish, which is a little disappointing given some of the bigger, bolder grapes they've blended in, even if only small amounts. Pretty sure this retailed around $20 - not sure if I'd be satisfied had I paid full price, but definitely a good bottle to put on the table any night of the week. Looks like the winery is running the 2006 blend now.

Cheers!