Skyline 2012 Red Blend, California

This red wine provides a twist, veering away from the typical Cabernet or Zinfandel based blend.

Artistry In The Bottle?

When Green Dragon brought this bottle home, I didn’t think much of it. She often says she need to buy wines that she can have “without checking with me first.”

Upon reviewing the bottle, I was pleased to see that this wine is produced by Thomas Fogarty. Some time ago I picked up three bottles of his Santa Cruz Mountains Merlot and was impressed with the taste and value.

Mixed Up Blend

Downing first sip, the wine had less body than expected. I anticipated a Cabernet blend or even a Zinfandel blend from the Lodi area. The wine lists “California” as the appellation, meaning grapes come from a variety of locations around the state.

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Instead, the blend leads with a grape of Spanish origin, Tempranillo. The mix is 60% Tempranillo, 29% Merlot, 9% Syrah, and a mere 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. As a result, this is a lighter, more agile wine.

There are some good red fruit notes with a hint of spice. It is easy drinking with no heavy tannins. A nice pick to pair with a light entree or perhaps tapas.

While I pondered the wine, I used a newly downloaded app on my tablet to enhance my photo and create a new work of art – although you can be the judge of that.

Is this wine an artistic masterpiece? Perhaps not, but it is enjoyable and with a SRP of $19 (and available for much less) it is a solid value. A nice bottle to share for informal occasions.

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