Wine Buzz: Clary Hill Blue by Cellardoor Winery & Vineyard

Every now and again, a wine connoisseur will find an unique wine treasure that just has to be shared!  This is just one of them.  It was found by a sommelier friend of mine who found it in Maine.  That's right - Maine!  After reviewing Cellardoor Winery & Vineyard's website, I believe visiting this winery would be a true adventure during the Fall season.  Not only is harvest around the corner, but Maine captures some of the most beautiful Fall leaves in the U.S.  Just look at the gorgeous photo that is posted on Cellardoor Winery and Vineyard's website:

(Image from: Cellardoor Winery & Vineyard Website: http://www.mainewine.com/photo.php?s=1&index=182)

Regardless, the wine of choice that I had the pleasure tasting was Clary Hill Blue.  Clary Hill Blue is a Cabernet Sauvignon - Blueberry blend.  The wine is dry, unlike many blueberry wines I've had in the past.  It is very much a very pleasant experience!  I have to admit, it was a great breath of fresh air after living in Cabernet blend country for well over a year!

*Bonus*: Cellardoor Winery & Vineyard features wine and food pairings, recipes, and even lunch when you visit the recipe.  The current "Featured Recipe" is Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp... yuuuuummmmm....  (Visit the website at: http://www.mainewine.com/)

The D-2010 Scale! (I need to copyright this...)

Clary Hill Blue by Cellardoor Winery & Vineyard

Appearance (10 points possible): garnet red color, relatively clear - 8 points

Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): fresh blueberries, cherries, cassis/currants, raisins, spice, oak, and herbs.  - 19 points

Taste (10 points possible): medium bodied with medium tannin levels, high acidity, mouthfeel and body is relatively light throughout.  Flavors of ripe blueberries and spice linger throughout mid-palate to finish.  Wine is completely forward and lacks finish.  Overall texture is ripe, soft, crisp, fresh, and food friendly.  - 6 points

Balance (5 points possible): nice wine, but acid sticks out slightly from this wine which makes it unintegrated and slightly one-dimensional - 3 points

Finish (5 points possible): Wine is completely forward, meaning all mouthfeel, texture, and flavors fall before the mid-palate.  The finish is lacking - short without any lingering effect. - 2 points 

Add 50 points for attempt, packaging, closure, etc.

Total Points: 88

Overall Thought: I think this is one of the best dry, blueberry wines I have ever had.  Ok, the acid sticks out (probably due to the blueberries), but these berries are integrated with a Cabernet Sauvignon base, which really makes the wine "wine-like."  This wine was recommended to me by a sommelier in the Napa Valley who found it completely interesting.  I think this wine is truly worth a try!

Food Pairings: Cellardoor Winery & Vineyard recommends pork or fragrant cheeses.  I think this wine is also enjoyable with yogurt-based dishes (such as a fruit salad), Indian food, etc.  Anything you would pair blueberries with could be a perfect match for this wine.

Cost: Listed at $19.99

Splurge Factor (out of 4): 2 - a bit pricier than other wines, but an unique wine treasure

Where to buy: If you don't live in Maine, and therefore, cannot visit Cellardoor Winery & Vineyard (although I highly recommend it), order online: http://www.mainewine.com/