Because I’ve had a day that is just loco and quite frankly, the food pairing is a little off the charts…
About the Wine: The Tercero 2012 Cuvee Loco is made of 34% Grenache, 33% Mourvedre, and 33% Syrah all harvested from Larner Vineyard, located in the Ballard Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara County, California.
NOTE: According to winemaker Larry Schaffer, the 2012 release is the last offering. Instead, Larry plans to put each of these varieties into separate bottlings moving forward. Each was fermented and aged separately in used French oak barrels for 30 months prior to bottling.
14.3% ABV
Flavor Profile: Immediately out of the bottle wafts out funky, earthy aromas—like it’s still night time at the beach, fog everywhere though you can’t see it…
This red blend presents a rich ruby red on the pour, settling into the glass a little darker, more maroon. It’s denser in the center, but still penetrable, and fading out to a kind of pinkish-rouge.
Initial aromas are of black cherries, a hint of cola, a hint of chocolate. That initial funk has wafted away, and there’s a freshness about it now. Swirl and find perfumey notes of dark red roses some herbaceous notes, perhaps basil and some anise. Acidity is certainly more lively…
The palate is soft, silky, with just a delicate texture and a driving acidity. That texture comes a bit more forward on the finish, coating just the center of the tongue with a suede-like sensation. Dominant flavors are of black cherries, black plums, plum jam, dates, hint of that chocolate (dark, unsweetened), and just a slightest hint of wood or bramble.
Though some of the flavors are dark and brooding, the bright acidity keeps this wine alive with an element of freshness from start to finish. Can be paired with a heartier dish or…not.
Food Pairing: Baked eggplant, wild rice tossed with broccoli and onions.
More Info: I received the Tercero Wines 2012 Cuvee Loco as a sample for review. (Cheers Larry!) Price: $40. For more information about Larry, his wines, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Tercero Wines website.
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**Please note: all reviews and opinions are my own and are not associated with any of my places of business. I will always state when a wine has been sent as a sample for review. Sending samples for review on my personal website in no way guarantees coverage in any other media outlet I may be currently associated with.**
