Tasting - The Black Dog by Chateau Morrisette

Name: The Black Dog from Chateau Morrisette
Variety: Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot blend
Region: Floyd, Virginia
Country: United States of America
Price: $12

Wine Critic: “Not the best, but easy drinking nonetheless. Medium body. Oak, tobacco, blueberry, cherry, cranberry. Very jammy, a little too sweet to have with food.” - J.K. (Jan. 5, 2023)
89 Points: San Diego International Wine Competition (2016)

Wine Folly: From "Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide" by Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack, it is noted on page 312 that Merlot grapes are very bold with a medium high body and alcohol content. Merlot is often blended with Cabernet Franc, which is what this wine does. There is no mention of Chambourcin grapes in Wine Folly. The profile of Cabernet Franc and Merlot makes this blended wine great with savory meats.

My Thoughts: Today I am drinking a red wine from Chateau Morrisette, located in Virginia, USA. Previously on this blog, I tasted a white wine from this winery and found it to be quite nice so going into their red table wine offerings, I had high expectations. The Black Dog is a Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot blend and it is intended to be served youthful; this bottle is from the 2022 vintage year. First impressions: Great! I do not think this red is as good as the white wine they had but it is not bad at all. The wine is very fruity, specifically blackberries. It goes down extremely smooth and has a medium-long finish. This wine is medium bodied and great as a casual sipper.

I made beef and broccoli and this wine was great with the food. The slightly sweet and savory dish paired with the sweet red wine and was a pleasant surprise.

I give it an 74/100.