Ramblin Red Cuvee One

My first thought when I saw this new label was Johnny Cash's "I've Been Everywhere".  But what owner Jon Ruth meant to communicate was "casually and just for the pleasure".  The wine inside is a success viewed that way.

Ramblin Red Cuvee One is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 22% Zinfandel, plus 2% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot.  The Cab is "predominately from Paso Robles", the Syrah from Elk Grove west of Lodi, and the Zin from Lake County.  The individual lots received varying lengths of time in oak, 90% American, 10% French.

Paul Moser, a 25-year veteran in the business, was responsible for putting together this blend.  Moser spent years in France making wine, including 2 years in Burgundy and 2 years in the Loire.

Tasting Notes: Color: Deep ruby, translucent.  Aromas: Cherry cola, sweet spice and earth.  Medium-bodied with moderate dry tannins, the cherry, cassia/spice and oak flavors finish well.

Excellent value ($10).   Closure: Real cork.   Alcohol content: 14.2%.