Review: 2016 Collusion Red Wine Columbia Valley
Josh Phelps — famous for his eponymous wine — recently launched a new label called Grounded Wine Company. Unlike the California-based Josh, Collusion hails from Washington, specifically the Columbia Valley, where the project is designed to “harness the untapped potential for phenomenal Bordeaux-varietal red blends in this lesser-known growing region.”
2016 Collusion is a blend of 43% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Malbec, and 4% Syrah. There’s a toasty, graphite note on the nose, with surprisingly pleasant notes of crispy bacon. The palate is engaging, slightly sweet but balanced with enough tannin to give it grip, showcasing blackberries and licorice candy, in equal proportions. A solid value for a versatile and approachable wine.
A- / $23 / groundedwineco.com