Intuition Red Blend 2014

The Intuition Red Blend 2014 consists of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Malbec sourced from more than one California grape growing AVA. The interesting thing here is the inclusion of medium-bodied Pinot Noir in the blend with full-bodied grapes. Pinot Noir grapes are expensive and difficult to grow and other than Champagne are seldom seen in blends, so it should be fun finding out what the winemaker is trying to do here. Intuition is one of E and J Gallo’s multitude of wine brands, they are the largest winery in the world and their wines range from Mogen David and Andre’s to high-end estate wines, with a large number of brands in the value category. This brand is not available everywhere, I know Teeter Harris (website says $14.99) and World Market (normally $9.99, on sale for $5.50) have it in stock. This wine is aged “on” French oak, normally when a wine is barrel aged the winery refers to as “in” oak, but either way, this wine should have oak influence. The alcohol content is mild in this day and age for a California Red blend, 13%.

The color is an opaque black cherry red, with a clear halo. The nose is dark berries, chocolate, and spearmint gum, along with licorice, spice, and cherry. This a bright, dry, balanced Red wine. It starts with cherry, chocolate powder, plum, mild black pepper, and blackberry. The mid-palate shows spice, raspberry, and blueberry. The tannins don’t bite and the acidity is balanced by the body of the wine.The finish is full and long.

Ok, I think I get it. There are a bunch of Red wine blends on the market today that would have replaced the Pinot Noir with Syrah or Petite Sirah and went for big, juicy red blends. While all the other blends are turning to the right the Intuition Red Blend 2014 turned to the left. This reminds me more of Red blends from southern France (but without the tannins) than a typical California value blend. Delicious, lean, and long make for a satisfying Red Blend.