Andrew and I discovered this fantastic Red at Biaggi’s in Cedar Rapids at a wine tasting last year. Cinnabar Mercury Rising is a Red blend bottled by Cinnabar Cellars in Paso Robles.

It seems that all of the decent restaurants in CR are carrying this wine: Biaggi’s, Teddy’s, Daniel Arthur’s. So, it’s pretty cool that I can get this from HyVee for around $18.

The rule of thumb for this wine is it NEEDS to breathe and open up. The flavor changes dramatically in the air. In fact, go get a duck. Biaggi’s will happily decant it for you.

After it breathes the flavor reminds me a bit of a Pinot Noir. I’m not sure what grapes they use for this blend and they don’t divulge it on the label.

The wine has a distinct scent of leather. This is complimented with a distinct, robust long-lasting flavor of cherries and berries that is carried on a wet mouthfeel and warmth of alcohol at finish.

Brilliant wine if you have the time to either decant or let breathe– not for quick consumption.

Tags: 2005, California, red

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