2014 Broc Cellars, Love Red, California.
Chris Brockway’s new Love Red is a juicy blend of Carignan, Valdiguie and Syrah that gives lots of personality, charm and unique character with dark fruit and vibrant layers. The nose shows crushed berries, light floral tones and spice leading to a palate of plum, blackberry, bing cherry, red peach, spiced currants and wild raspberry as well as hints of cinnamon, bramble, fennel notes. This wine is very much in keeping with Brockway’s style and is vivid, fresh and easy to quaff, the tannins are light and the acidity very tangy adding to the lift and energy, this Love Red delivers loads of fun and enjoyment. This wine joins a great new set of wines made from different varietals and done in a lighter style, wineries like Hobo Wine Company’s Folk Machine label, Arnot-Roberts, Stolpman’s Carbonc line, Donkey & Goat, Cruise Wines and classic wines like the iconic Sean Thackrey Plaeides. We really have some wonderful choices in California for interesting wines, and Broc Cellars based in Berkeley is a great label to follow, the lineup includes Sparkling Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Carignane and more small lot offerings that are worth checking out. The Broc wines are done with mostly native yeasts and neutral oak, allowing the wines to be clear and vibrant, these are lovely wines, especially this new 2014 Love Red, drink with a slight chill for refreshing summer drinking. The latest from Broc is a solid winner, drink over the next few years, best from 2015 to 2018.
($24 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive