What's in My Glass Wednesdays! 2010 Three by Clover Hill Winery

What a great find in Pennsylvania!  If you like Cabernets or Cab blends, this is definitely a wonderful old-world style blend that will surely knock your socks off.  The Generations series from Clover Hill Winery features limited release wines that definitely have something to say.  For those unfamiliar with Clover Hill Winery, I encourage you to visit their website: there's lots there to explore!

Three by Clover Hill Winery

Three, 2010 Bordeaux Blend

(Photo by author)

The D-2010 Scale 

2010 Three by Clover Hill Winery (Pennsylvania)

Appearance (10 points possible): Deep ruby color with great color density. - 10 points

Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): Some nice red fruit character, with strong hints of tobacco,  plum, mushrooms, violets.  Quite varietal. - 17 points

Taste (10 points possible):  Medium- to full-bodied with some tannin that is moving back in the palate.  This indicates the wine still has some aging time... at least another 3 or 4 years, I'd say.  Perhaps more.  Great red fruit essence and slight tobacco notes.  Finish is lingering and powerful with hints of raw oak and fruit. - 9 points

Balance (5 points possible): This wine still has some aging time, which pulls it slightly off balance in terms of tannin structure.  However, that's expected from such a young wine and I would say that some may still enjoy this wine where it is right now.  Great body, length, and flavor. - 4 points

Finish (5 points possible): Very lengthy with hints of red fruit and raw oak. - 5 points

Packaging 

Quality of Package (5 points possible):  Heavy glass bottle, Bordeaux style.  Dark label and capsule with synthetic cork.  Relatively nice package, but I'd personally opt for the natural cork here due to its style.  - 5 points

Label Marketability (10 points possible):  Quite chic and classy, but probably difficult to find in an array of bottles.  In the tasting room, I'm sure these labels stand out compared to their other labels. - 7 points

Other (5 points possible):  No big extras on this one. - 3 points

Total Points: 90 points

Overall Thought: Bordeaux varietal blends are always the keystone in the wine industry... or so they seem.  Consumers are obsessed with Cabs, but I feel that we've become overly aware of one style of Cabernet blends without much awareness for the original old-world style.  The great thing about Mid-Atlantic wines is that many of them represent a true old-world style, but made in the U.S.  "Old-world" Cabs have less fruit-forward aromas and flavors, usually not as much alcohol, and a bit more acidity, but for us wine folk - we love it!  It's different, unique, and it shows expression and style of the winemaker.  I like this wine for those reasons: a blend of 44% Cabernet Franc, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Merlot - there's definitely something in this bottle that is intriguing.  Plus, you can't beat the $18 price tag for such an unique wine.  These are definitely food wines so if you find it difficult to drink just sipping, I highly recommend some bread and cheese at the very least, and I'm sure your experience will change.

Food Pairings:  A true steak wine.  The low alcohol, crispness, and defined flavors will go nice with a steak meal.  Really, this will go well with any red meat. 

Cost: $18

Splurge Factor (out of 4): 1... Price is all relative, and you're getting quite a good bargain for the quality in the bottle.

Where to buy:  Pennsylvanians are in luck!  You can order this wine directly from Clover Hill Winery or order online!