Review: NV Locations “TX” (Texas Red Blend) TX4 4th Release
Dave Phinney’s Locations series continues with an unexpected region as its next target: The state of Texas. This wine, its sixth release from the state, is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan, and assorted Bordeaux varietals. It was made as a joint venture with Kim McPherson of McPherson Cellars.
Heavily fruited from the start, the wine eventually settles into a groove that — while on the sweet, over-extracted side — shows notes of gunpowder, rum raisin, dusky prune, and roasted meats — er, Texas barbecue. While the finish runs a bit saccharine, heavy with figs, raisins, and spice, it works better with a savory meal, where a little sweetness can be a good thing. That said, complexity is not the wine’s strongest point.
B / $25 / locationswine.com
NV Locations "TX" (Texas Red Blend) TX4 4th Release
$25
I don’t think I’ve ever tried Texas wine before…I’ve always had a soft spot for the European Locations wine, they’re reliable when I need to take something fruit-forward to a party or something. Phinney has a pretty good handle on Grenache. I’ll have to give it a try.