13 October 2008

NV Kestrel Lady In Red

I'm in the mood for red blends lately, so I tried out the NV Kestrel Lady In Red from the Yakima and Columbia Valleys of Washington State. $14, 13.8% abv. 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39.5% Merlot, 10% Syrah, 2.5% Sangiovese. No idea if this was inspired by Chris de Burgh's classic song, but if you want to dance, give it half a chance. Sort of a Zinfandel nose with lots of spice and stewed fruit and, after breathing, some pleasant vegetal qualities. Raspberry and cocoa flavors with medium tannins. Overall some excellent structure and balance for an inexpensive, non-vintage blend.

Served with mini burgers made from a 50/50 mix of ground buffalo and ground beef, topped with grilled red onions and sherry vinegar and colby cheese. Sliders are pretty trendy now, but they're convenient for casually feeding a group of friends. They cook quickly, and eating one, two, or three is an easier fit for how hungry you are versus one or two full-sized burgers.

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