Toad Hollow Eric's The Red

[Innkeeper]

NV Toad Hollow Eric's The Red, Paso Robles Proprietary Red (Around $10). This is sort of a mystery wine. When you buy it you do not know any idea when it was made. Their website says there have been three bottlings, and I don't remember when or where we picked it up. There are no bin numbers or other tip offs. Alcohol level is: 14.5%.

It is allegedly made from eighteen wines. They are Cab Franc, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel up front; "modicums" of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Refosco, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Primitivo (hopefully with the correct clone), and Rubired. It is "polished off" with Barbera, Petite Verdot, Syrah, Counoise, Cardonnay, Sangiovese, and a mystery grape.

He says: Smells like a cacophony of aromas. It tasts fine. Over the middle it is a nice complexity with some dirt and grainy tannins. The finish is medium.

She says: A very well balanced of wine with acid, alcohol, fruit, and tannin. Finished nicely.

We both agreed that it went well with food, which in this case was sauteed loin ends, roast potatoes, and salad. Even went well with the cookies for dessert.

She wants more, I don't.