The Colby Red Blend 2017 is a wine with a unique story. The name in the name is the winemaker, Daryl Groom’s son. Daryl Groom was the winemaker for Penfolds and was responsible for producing their legendary “The Grange” blend as well as being chief winemaker at several other high-end wineries.
Colby Groom had two open heart surgeries before the age of ten. He had a congenital heart defect and the surgeries were successful. When Colby was 12 he asked his dad if they could do something “no kid would have to go through what he went through.”
So the Colby Red Blend was conceived. It is sourced from California grapes with Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, and Petite Sirah. Here is CWF’s review of the 2010 vintage which was their first wine.
In 2010 they hoped to raise $100,000 for various heart charities and when that was quickly met set a goal of $250,000. The current figure in 2022 is $1,700,000. Colby is doing fine and is the co-chair of the American Heart Associations Young Adult Board.
I have the 2017 vintage of the Colby Red Blend 2017, the current vintage is 2021. This is charity wine with a portion of the profits going to excellent causes, so I usually would avoid older vintages of drink-it-now wines. Most Red wines except for wines that are expressly intended to be consumed young will last 5 to 7 years. It varies on how well the wine was stored, in a quality wine shop, it is probably ok on a wine rack on your kitchen counter its 50-50 if it is still good or not.
So, the Colby Red Blend 2017 was produced by a winemaker who has made wines that have sold for $100s of dollars and can be cellared for decades. Here is a wine fact. Anytime a winery names a wine after a wife, child, or beloved grandparent they are not going to skimp on the quality. They make a wine that is the best wine they can make for the price point. The alcohol content is 13.9%.
The Colby Red Blend 2017 Tasting Notes
The color is black cherry red with a slight plum tint, the color change is probably because this Red is 5 years old. The nose is red berries, brown sugar, soft spice, slightly smokey, vanilla, blackberry, and violets. The Colby Red Blend 2017 is a lean, sleek blend with a swirl of blended fruit flavors.
This Red blend tastes like a mix of blackberry, blueberry, and cherry, there is an undercurrent of mocha and spice. The mid-palate offers a hint of caramel, licorice, and tart cranberry. The tannins are sweet and the acidity does its job and stays out of the way.
The Summary
- The Colby Red Blend 2017 is an excellent wine and a portion of the profits go to a great cause.
- This is a Red wine with HEART.
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