I previously reviewed the 2004 Norman Vineyards The Vocation. That wine was on sale at a local wine store, and another Norman Vineyards selection, Reflection, was also on sale.
This wine from Paso Robles is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (44%) and Syrah (56%). It was aged in barrels for 20 months with 20% new French and American oak.
I really like the nose on this wine. It reminds me of Porto (which I love), with sweet cherries, some caramel, chocolate, and vanilla.
There’s some brown spice on the palate (perhaps cinnamon or allspice) and some molasses. I also taste cherries, strawberries, and a bit of chocolate. It’s very well balanced. The tannins are very soft. This is a somewhat light-bodied wine. I’d describe the body as similar to a Chianti.
I really like Porto, so I’m excited about finding similar flavors in this wine. It doesn’t have the sweetness of Porto, of course, since this is a dry wine. (The alcohol is also lower, as Porto is a fortified wine.)
I really like this wine. I’ll give it an “Excellent” rating. I’d personally rate this slightly higher than The Vocation, but that is mainly because I prefer this wine, not because it is necessarily a better wine.
I will definitely be buying this wine again. At the sale price of $12.49, it’s an excellent value, but I’d still buy it at the suggested retail price of $25.
