Red Heads "Yard Dog" is an unusual $10 blend from Australia, combining 46% Petit Verdot, 30% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon. This mutt gave me a look and then followed me home. Not appearing to be a contest winner based on external appearances, I must say that back at the ranch we were all rewarded with its unexpected inner beauty.
The Red Heads who produced this wine appear to be a bit scrappy themselves but obviously know what they like and how to turn it out. At the end of the day breeding, fine equipment and caste can sometimes be trumped by the instinct and effectiveness of an underdog.
This deep purple ruby pour is nearly opaque in the glass and has a dark complexity about the nose that belies a much more friendly and straightforward flavor. Richer and smoother than you might expect, there's plenty of cherry fruit and sweet spice notes with some wood showing through.
Never fear, this "Yard Dog" will become your best friend.
Excellent value ($10). Closure: Screw cap. Alcohol content: 15%.
The full moon in harvest season is always spectacular and brings out the "junkyard dog" in all of us mutts. This past week I was on assignment in Corona, California photographing hotel signs at sundown when I turned around just in time to catch the moon rising as the sun fell below the horizon.
Moon over Corona California September 25, 2007
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I thought this wine was HUGE! It was the Petit Verdot that sold me on it. Very rarely do you find that much of it in a blend, or even alone for that matter. No matter! It's a really great wine for a bargain price!
Posted by: Grace | October 06, 2007 at 10:55 PM
The BEST red to touch my taste buds--and that's the truth. Now where do you buy it in Iowa?
Posted by: Bill B. | November 25, 2009 at 04:47 PM