2016 Division Winemaking Co. (Division Villages) Béton (Oregon Red Wine)
A rather unusual (for the USA) blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Gamay Noir & 10% Côt (Malbec) made up this delightful red from the folks at Division. I had read about the 2015 edition, and so was very excited to see the 2016 in my club shipment a while back. Plans being what they are, it took a while longer to get to this. Initially a touch spritzy from trapped CO2, the wine calmed down quickly, and settled into an elegant, balanced red that showed crunchy red fruit, some nearly (but not quite) green/herbal nuances, and a fresh, invigorating finish that kept enticing me back for another sip. The wine certainly had one foot in the Loire (dare I say Clos Roche Blanche?), though the fruit was a touch riper, and the green notes did not verge into bell pepper. That being said, it felt like a proper wine for a more spring or summertime meal, where the freshness could show off more. At $24 a bottle (though sadly sold out) it also kept a firm footing in the QPR camp.
I will be eagerly awaiting the 2017.
