In addition to his upper-tiered releases, Scott produces two outstanding value-priced entries as well. The 2011 Mystique is a Merlot-dominated blend that’s balanced out with 15% each of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 16 months in one-year-old barrels, it possesses a deep, inky color to go with notions of smoke, tobacco, dark chocolate and herb-laced black fruits on the nose. Voluptuous, rich and textured, yet also elegant and admirably focused, it’s a knockout value that will impress for 5-7 years. Drink now-2018.
Coming all from the estate Sheridan Vineyard and made by owner/winemaker Scott Greer, these wines are big, full-throttle efforts that don’t hold back on ripeness or oak, yet manage to hold everything together with brilliant purity of fruit, clean acidity and rock solid underlying structure. While Scott’s 2010s are all formidably tannic and slightly backwards, his 2011s are more approachable and supple across the board; in addition, he pulled back on the toast level on all of the barrels in 2011 to account for the lighter concentration level of the vintage. All of the wines are beautifully made and highly recommended.
Tel. (425) 401-0167; www.sheridanvineyard.com