1 - 2013 Wellington Victory Reserve, 750ml
1 - 2013 Woot Cellars Revelry, Sonoma County Red Wine, 750ml
In the summer of 2014 the Wellington crew was narrowing in on the final blend for the 2013 Victory. The RPM Tour group had the opportunity to make their own blend (Revelry) from the same components, but with only one day to blend, taste, reblend, and make a decision. I personally tasted the two wines side by side for the first time just this past Monday. We tasted them blind, described them, chose a favorite and guessed what they were. All three of us preferred the Victory, but only two of three guessed which was which. My personal opinion is that the Revelry is currently more open, complex and accessible. The Victory is denser and more concentrated, but a bit simple and closed in at this stage. I'm curious and would really appreciate comments after people receive the wines and have a chance to try them, particularly any side by side tastings. Please be aware that both of these wines are relative infants and should continue to develop for several more years.
Tasting notes, Oct. 31, 2016
2013 Wellington Victory Reserve
Cherry and cassis fruit, some mint and vanilla, spice, pepper, anise and violets.
Full entry, excellent depth and concentration, good viscosity, balanced acid, some mid-palate astringency. Richness carries through to the medium long, moderately astringent finish.
2013 Woot Cellars Revelry, Sonoma County Red Wine
This wine is the blend put together by the RPM Magical History Tour of 2014. The composition of the wine is precisely as determined by the Tourists, with the following treatments: The blend was racked and assembled shortly after the tour, at ten months age. It was then returned to 60 gallon French oak barrels, approximately 60% from the 2013 vintage, for an additional seven months of aging. Shortly before bottling, the alcohol level was reduced to 14.3%, based on taste trials.
Specs
2013 Wellington Victory Reserve
Blend: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot for 101% great flavor. Or a rounding error, per Peter W.
Alcohol: 14.3%
pH: 3.6
RS: <0.1%
Barrel regime: French oak, approx. 60% new
2013 Woot Cellars Revelry, Sonoma County Red Wine
Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 12% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot.
100% Sonoma County grapes
Alcohol: 14.3%
pH: 3.53
Barrel Regime: aged 17 months in 60 gallon French oak barrels, bottled unfined and lightly filtered in March, 2015