Maker: Old Westminster, New Windsor, Carroll Co, Maryland, USA
Grapes: Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.
Place of origin: Maryland, USA (Northern Maryland according to back label)
Vintage: 2013
ABV: 13.5%
Purchased for $32 (Glen’s Market, Washington, DC)
Note: 50 cases produced
Appearance: Brick red.
Nose: Blackberry, cut green pepper, allspice, a drop of vanilla.
Palate: Dry, medium-bodied. White cherry, blueberry wine, roasted red pepper, nutmeg, oak.
Finish: Chewy with a little fruit.
Parting words: New Windsor is a historic small town in Maryland, about 25 miles northwest of Owings Mills. It’s known for its hot springs and the presence of a Church of the Brethren mission center.
Andrew Stover, the sommelier behind the Somm Cuvée is based in DC currently but is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also the founder of Vino50 selections, a wine wholesaler that specializes in “regional” American wines.
I enjoyed this wine, but it was a little high in pyrazine (bell pepper aroma) for my taste when drinking solo. I don’t mind little bit of that aroma, but I expected something a little more refined in a wine this expensive and this rare. That said, it did pair very nicely with quinoa and lamb chops and homemade pork and beans. Maybe it just needed more time in the bottle. That might mean less fruit, unfortunately. So, I don’t know what exactly to tell you to do with this wine. Anyway, due to the relatively high price, I’m going to give this vintage at this time a mild recommendation.
Sipology 