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Reed Renaudin, owner and winemaker of Napa's X Winery, has made a career of being the consummate outsider in the ultimate insider's business. In the 11-year ascent of X Winery, Renaudin has spared no effort in peddling his products all across the country. Since the winery was but a twinkle in his eye, Renaudin has espoused the kind of spirit and tenacity necessary to take on the entrenched names and brands that dominate the wine business. He has obviously succeeded. Reed now crafts special offerings for those willing to pay for the best, as our Accoutre so vividly demonstrates. In typical Renaudin fashion, Reed didn't go to the typical bastions of Cabernet land like Napa, his backyard, or Sonoma, just up the road apiece. Instead, he went outside the box for a stunning insider's wine. As one the most northern wine-growing regions in the state, Mendocino exhibits a variety of climates to produce a variety of wines. This wine was sourced near the city of Ukiah where warmer summer allows for fuller-bodied Boudreaux varietals such as Cabernet than are produced along the coast in the much cooler Anderson Valley. But Reed knows that growing great grapes isn't as much about weather, though it is obviously important, as it is about soil. And, in these rolling vistas of Mendocino lurks soils that are the envy of even those housed in the most prestigious of neighborhoods. The proof of this, of course, is in the bottle. The 2009 Accoutre shows a rich garnet color and warm, spicy characteristics. Complex aromas of bell pepper, clove and eucalyptus complement the supporting flavors of black cherry, ripe plum and vanilla. Robust and full with chewy tannins and a long finish make this beauty one to enjoy now or lay down in the cellar for 3-5 years. A perfect match for that prime rib you've been waiting to serve since Christmas. January 2012 Vintners Series Newsletter (.pdf) January Vintners Series 2012 from Wine of the Month Club on Vimeo. |
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