May 2016 Domestic Wine: 2014 Peachy Canyon Incredible Red
Fine Wine Source Wine Club
Peachy Canyon Winery: Founded in 1988 by Doug and Nancy Beckett, Peachy Canyon Winery is a family owned and operated winery in beautiful Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast; near Hog Castle and Big Sur. What began as a 500 case venture has blossomed into an operation that distributes to 48 states, Europe, The Pacific Rim, and Canada. The Beckett’s run the daily operations along with their sons and partners, Jake and Josh. The biggest news for Peachy Canyon has been the recent addition of accomplished winemaker Robert Henson-previously of Tooth & Nail. After working with critically acclaimed veteran winemaker Michael Michaud (Chalone Vineyards), Henson served as winemaker for a small Santa Cruz Mountains winery where he amassed many accolades before turning his attentions to the Central Coast appellation. Henson plans on applying his passions for balance, varietal, and terroir driven winemaking to Peachy Canyon’s existing award winning winemaking program. This addition comes at an exciting time for Peachy Canyon, which was just named one of the Top 101 Wineries in America by The Daily Meal for a second consecutive year.
About: The Fruit for the 2014 Incredible Red was harvested over a period of several weeks to attain ideal ripeness, picked in the early hours of the morning, and destemmed into fermenters. During fermentation the juice was pumped over twice a day and gently pressed after two weeks then aged for ten months in 100% new oak barrels prior to bottling. The 2014 Peachy Canyon Incredible Red scored 94 points and won gold at the New World International Wine Competition.
Varietals: 98% Zinfandel and 2% Petite Sirah
Alcohol: 14.5%
Tasting Notes: A rich and fruity nose opens with black cherry, blackberry, nutmeg, and vanilla. A smoky and mysterious aroma takes over, leading into toffee, cigar, and Cherrywood. On the palate the wine is round and sumptuous, with notes of cherry, clove, and orange oil. “One of our most sophisticated and well-balanced vintages in recent years, the Incredible Red meets and exceeds the promise in its name.”
Food Pairings: Zinfandel wine is happiest when paired with items from the butcher block or smoke house: Charcuterie, Barbequed pork ribs, leg of lamb, or grilled meats…think less fatty meats and spicy (not sweet) sauces; such as Mexican, Italian, or Cajun.
Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts: Rich & Robust, Black and red fruit flavor, powerful and long finish. Served best with BBQ meats of any kind.