When I first picked up Once Upon A Vine The Big Bad Red Blend, I figured that I was going to be cracking wise at the ABC show. I’d never seen it, but the tie in seemed too perfect. I figured I’d make time for something like that. Many busy wine blogging months after adding the show to my Netflix queue, I’ve realized that I may as well get to the wine, because the show is just never going to happen.
Sight: A moderate ruby, flecked with hints of violet, and a firm red edge.
Smell: A subtle menthol note is present, adding a green note over the top of big, jammy dark fruit like plums and blackberries. Black pepper and mocha get into the act with a little bit of espresso round the edge. Much like the bottle jokes, the nose is rather big.
Sip: The body is delightfully smooth and round, with a good moderate weight to it. The darker notes are present here, picking up blackberries, plums, and a good amount of leather and spice. Black pepper again inflects into the palate with notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, smoke, and coffee grounds. A touch of greenness lingers unimposingly, but occasionally interjecting.
Savor: The ending pulls in more of a milk chocolate note, with good blackberries elements and a firmly structured, but non-aggressive set of tannins.
Once Upon A Vine The Big Bad Red Blend is rather impressive to me. While I’d initially thought that the wine would merely be another rough blend designed to only be sold for the marketing, I’ve instead found myself impressed by the texture. The smooth body is truly delightful, and the dark fruit balances well with the chocolate and spice. Overall, for a slightly scary, Once Upon A Vine The Big Bad Red Blend is something of a true treat.
Verdict: Blackberries, Dark Chocolate, Black Pepper, Smooth
Rating: 88
Price: $10
Sonoma, California