Winery: Alcantara Vineyards

Vintage: 2010

Wine Name/Vineyard: Confluence IV

Wine Category: Red blend

Grape blend: N/A

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Yavapai County

State or country: AZ

Price: $40.00

ABV: 14.8%

Cases produced: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score:  92 points

Review date: February 23, 2020

About the Winemaker:  I found Alcantara Vineyards when researching Arizona Wine country.  On my first visit (of many now), I was quite impressed.  While Arizona is still an up and coming wine region, Alcantara is one of a few wineries in the state making fantastic, well developed, and expertly crafted wines.  Alcantara Vineyards has over 20,000 vines and a wide range of varietals.  The tasting room sits on a gorgeous spot, overlooking some of the most beautiful scenery you will find in any wine region.  I strongly recommend a visit.

Color:  Vivid Auburn

Nose:  Perfectly ripened cherries, honeysuckle and oak.

Taste: Bright cherry flavors with hints of red berries, white pepper, and oak.  Finish: Sustained with a touch of plum skin and a hint of Eucalyptus.

Assessment:  The tannins in this wine are nearly perfect.  While I can’t say for certain, I suspect that some percentage of the grapes that were used to produce it were included as whole clusters.  The tannins seem quite natural as opposed to being the result of heavy exposure to oak.  A second point of impression here results from the alcohol content.  Perhaps it’s the fact that this bottle has been cellaring for 10 years, but I’d have guessed its contents were closer to 13.5% ABV rather than the eye catching 14.8% that it is.  The wine is silky smooth, well balanced, and complex. It boasts a wide variety of flavor notes that shine through the medium body, and hang around on the palate a while.  The quality of this wine is on par with some of my favorite “Super Tuscan” blends.  I want more.

My bottle of Alcantara Confluence IV (2010) was drinking perfectly.  It hasn’t deteriorated a bit. Drink now.

Alcantara Vineyards Confluence IV is an exceptional wine.  92 points.

Pairing recommendation:  Wood fired whole-Mozzarella cheese and sausage pizza, charcuterie plate with a young Manchego.