Tasting N^o 276 – April 29, 2025 12:30 PM- A Blind Tasting of Red Wines

           Capri Ristorante, McLean VA

 Tasting Overview

This was completely blind tasting, with the goal of discussing the characteristics of each wine, and not in any way an attempt to identify the wines. Four red wines from different grape varieties and with similar prices were selected for this tasting, while no information was circulated before the meeting. At the beginning, before food was served, Ricardo distributed a sheet describing the Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine, and explained how we should carry out the tasting.

After an initial taste we offered a round of comments by the participants. Then, the wines were revealed and everyone had an opportunity for a second round of comments. The wines were served in a random order all at the same time. At the end, all participants ranked the wines before revealing their prices.

Presenter: Ricardo Santiago

Participants: : S. Ardila; R. Arroio; M. Averbug; J. Brakarz; J. Claro; J. Claro; R. Connolly; Y. Cutler; J. Estupiñan; M. Fryer; R. Gutierrez; O. Mason; A. and C. Perazza; L and J. Redwood; R. Santiago; E. Silva; G. Smart; and G. Zincke.

2. The Menu

• Melanzane alla Parmigiana
• Risotto con Portobello
• Grilled lamb chops with roasted potatoes
• Dessert, coffee or tea.

3. The Wines

A – Purple Hands, ‘Latchkey Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, 2022 ($66)

The Producer: Purple Hands Vineyards celebrates site-specific pinot noir and chardonnay that unearth the Willamette Valley’s long evolutionary history. Using traditional winemaking techniques, they strive to produce wines that convey an honest expression of each of their vineyards—its grapevines and cultivation, soil and stone, sunshine and rain. All of their wines undergo native fermentation and remain unfined and unfiltered at bottling to preserve their natural, wild character. Achieving elegance in this pursuit is the passion and art of their craft.

Latchkey Vineyard is situated 500 feet ASL on a southern aspect in the Dundee Hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Planted mainly to Pinot Noir from the Pommard family as well as Chardonnay, the vineyard spans 13 acres that stretch from the top of the hill down to the road below. It sits directly South of Haakon/Lenai Vineyard.

The Wine: 100% Pinot Noir. “The Pinot Noir Latchkey 2022 wine is from 18-year-old vines grown on ancient volcanic soils. A bit deeper ruby red, it’s aromatic of black raspberries, rosemary, pressed flowers, and anise. Medium to full-bodied, it is ripe with a rounded, plush, approachable feel, but it has seamless structure and is going to age gracefully over the coming 12-15 years”. (Jeb Dunnuck).

Courtesy A. Perazza April 29, 2025 Capri Restaurant

B – Faust, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nappa Valley, 2021 ($60)

The Producer: Faust, the producer, seeks to express the complexity of Cabernet Sauvignon and the diversity of the Napa Valley by sourcing from our estate vineyards in Coombsville and Rutherford, as well as from small lots on Atlas Peak, Mount Veeder and Howell Mountain. The culmination of these exceptional appellations results in a prodigious expression of Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Wine: A Blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. “Cabernet’s classic aromas and flavors star in the 2021 Faust Napa Valley. Delicate violet notes lift the dark fruit on the nose—black currant and briary blackberry—layered with pungent forest botanicals, leafy tobacco, graphite, and toasted spice. The velvet of fine-textured tannins backs expressive red fruit flavors on a complex palate, both sweet and savory with mocha and minerality, juicy ripe fruit and freshness.” (Wine Spectator).

C – Duckhorn, Napa Valley Merlot, 2021 ($66)

The producer: Founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has been crafting classic Napa Valley wines for nearly 40 years. This winemaking tradition has grown to include seven meticulously farmed Estate vineyards, located throughout the various microclimates of the Napa Valley. Focused on quality and consistency, these Estate vineyards are an essential element in making wines of distinction. Pioneering and perfecting Merlot as a premium varietal, Duckhorn Vineyards now makes several elegant Merlot and distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings that showcase its premium vineyard sites. Duckhorn Vineyards has been named one of the “Top 100 Wineries” in the world eight times by Wine & Spirits.

The wine: A Blend of 76% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Crafted from both mountain and valley floor vineyards, this alluring wine embodies the rich diversity of great Napa Valley Merlot. From its velvety tannins and lively acidity to luxurious layers of plum, candied black cherry, red licorice and sweet baking spices this gracefully structured Merlot glides to a lush, lingering finish.

Courtesy A. Perazza April 29, 2025 Capri Restaurant

D – Ceretto Barolo 2019 ($70)

The producer: The Langhe hills of Piedmont constitute that area of northern Italy where the wide and flat Pò River valley suddenly disappears and gives way on all sides to hulking and precipitous slopes. The Langhe hills are home to a small group of farmers and winemakers who, together, have succeeded in creating some of the planet’s finest expressions of place. The Ceretto family is among that fortunate group. For three generations members of the Ceretto family have transformed the fruit of the Langhe’s vineyards into wines that speak of the regions identity.

The wine: 100% Nebbiolo. Ceretto’s 2019 Barolo Classico has soft notes of rose petals, cigar box and red forest berries on the nose. The wine’s well-balanced acidity entices the consumer to take another sip as this wine is a complete joy on its own by-the-glass or when paired with a myriad of meat or cream-based dishes.

4. CV Members Rating

The wine tasting took place before revealing their prices, with 14 participants rating them  in order of preference. All wines were considered either very good or excellent by the majority of the participants. The overall conclusion was that Faust, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 was the best wine,  followed by Duckhorn, Napa Valley Merlot, 2021.

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