Day 7 – Secret Society Red 2020

Here we go…Day 7 and our second mysterious blend in the lineup!

The whole concept behind the Secret Society wines is approachability. Each wine in this series is a blend, and none of the bottles reveal what it is. And there’s a method to our madness!  A lot of people think they know what they like in terms of wine, and more importantly, what they think they don’t like. All it takes is one bad experience and you can be turned off of a varietal for life. No matter how good a wine might be, if you are predisposed to thinking you don’t like it, you won’t like it!  That’s where our mystery wines come in…you get the chance to taste blind and form an honest, objective opinion. Only then will we divulge the secret. Can you figure out what’s in this blend?

Today’s food pairing is out of this world! An incredibly simple dish to prepare, either as an appetizer or a main dish, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the bomb. I tried these a few nights ago, and they were an absolute hit with our boys. For those who would prefer a vegetarian option, try substituting large chunks of portobello mushrooms instead.

Winemaking Notes

This mysterious blend is selected from our finest barrels to provide a luscious, supple and fruity wine that is approachable right out of the bottle.  A blend of 5 varietals, but dominated by two that really excel in the Okanagan. Aged for 15 months in French and American oak, using with a small proportion of new barrels to maintain a supporting role in terms of flavour and structure.

Tasting Notes
Dark fruity aromas of cherry and blackberry, with subtle cedar notes. On the palate, this wine is luscious and supple, offering flavours of cherry, leather and hints of pepper. Nicely balanced between the fruit, tannins, acidity and oak, this brooding mysterious blend is enjoyable right out of the bottle and will cellar for at least 5 years.

Food Pairings
This is a casual wine, so think about casual foods to pair it with. Anything off the barbecue, like a steak, hamburger or pork chop. The acidity in the wine also makes it a perfect match with tomato-based pasta sauces.

Ratings
92 Points – John Schreiner

Wine Specs

Vintage 2020
Appellation Okanagan Valley VQA
Vineyards Osoyoos, Oliver and Kaleden
Acid 6.0 g/L
pH 3.74
Residual Sugar 2.3 g/L
Alcohol % 13.5
Production: 260 cases