BANSHEE WINES bansheewines.com

Banshee ‘Mordecai’

California – United States 2013

Banshee Wines was founded by three friends (Steve Graf, Baron Ziegler and Noah Dorrance) from the Midwest and East Coast who shared a passion for wine and a lifelong dream of owning their own winery. Their fascination with wine started early in life. While their peers were drinking Milwaukee's Best, they had an affinity towards collecting European wines and hosting dorm room wine tastings. Post-college, each pursued a career

in the wine industry, ranging from importing wines, to winemaking, to distribution and sales. When their paths ultimately converged in San Francisco, they shared many meals, bottles of wine, and laughs with one another.

Individually they aspired to start their own wine project of sorts. In 2009 Noah was working at a winery and noticed hundreds of barrels gathering dust destined for $50-$60 bottles of Pinot Noir. Cash-crunched because of the recession, the winery was having trouble getting the raw product into bottles. In a “confluence of skill and timing,” Dorrance negotiated a good deal and they snapped up 20 barrels, selling out within two months.

Helping lead the attack on societal forces is famed California winemaker Ross Cobb of Hirsch Vineyard, Flowers and his namesake winery Cobb fame. Robb has friends in places that even the devious plans of the 'Banshee Boys' couldn't quite infiltrate. It took a man of principle to work with the three-headed monster and bring order.

With the 2013 vintage of Mordecai, things were mixed up a little bit (again). Instead of roughly even parts Bordeaux and Rhone, they brought Zinfandel from Dry Creek and Russian River Valley AVAs into the blend as an equal partner to those varietals. But the headline grabber of this year's "spice rack" is probably the Petite Sirah from Dry Creek. While not usually a favorite variety on its own, this particular one provides and incredibly deep, dark ballast to the prettier components of the wine. It is like the tuba in the marching band.

The resulting wine is a unique beast. While many red blends try to bowl you over with full throttle richness and power, Mordecai wants to charm you as well. It possesses a blend of both red and black fruit characteristics, espresso roast, licorice and spice. It is big boned but also light on its feet. The 2013 edition is akin to the 2012, bursting with juicy flavors and depth.

Composition Cabernet Sauvignon (27%, Napa - Sonoma) - Syrah (24%, Anderson Valley - Sonoma) - Zinfandel (24%, Dry Creek - Russian River) - Cabernet Franc (5%, Sonoma) - Grenache (5%, Sonoma) - Petite Sirah (5%, Dry Creek) - Petit Verdot (4%, Napa) - Merlot (3%, Alexander Valley) - Barbera (3%, Sonoma).

Tasting Notes This is a big wine that takes no prisoners, a very specific blend sourced from various high quality vineyards around California, primarily in Sonoma and Napa. The nose is lovely and well balanced, showing ripe plum, black cherry compote and some dried cedar. Big firm tannins hold up the palate, supporting a bright berry acidity and more ripe stone fruit. The wine fits the category perfectly, showing ripe fruit balanced by hefty tannins and a deep, lasting finish.

Reviews None

another fine wine brought to you by vine street imports

“ ”