Kristian Story 2006 Soiree -- Wine Review

Kristian Story Wines
2006 Soirée
California

Kristian Story is a small, family-run winery in the heart of the Napa Valley. The winery focuses on single-vineyard wines from Bordeaux varietals and attempts to make wines in Old World style, from hand-sorting to unfiltered and unfined bottling. Currently, the winery produces several single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, a red blend called RED and the Meritage Soirée. The 2006 Soirée is Cabernet and Merlot-based blended with 8 per cent Petite Sirah and 2 per cent Petit Verdot. On the nose, the influence of new, French oak is obvious in the caramel, vanilla and woodsy notes. In the mouth, the wine offers blackberry, black currant and pomegranate fruit up front. It falls off a little toward the back of the palate but finishes with respectable length and evolving caramel, espresso and mushroom notes. The wine's structure is good, with fine-grain tannins and bright acidity. It should continue to evolve for the next 2-3 years. But if you plan to serve it now, try pairing its dark fruit flavors with venison in blackberry sauce. The wine will also match well with grilled steaks, roast beef or a plate of blue cheeses.

Rating: 14/20
Price: $50

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For more information, visit www.kristianstorywines.com