The perfect use for an old rusty license plate retired from a Texas farm truck, acquired by Carey for an unknown purpose.
I would have bought the wine anyway, but I can’t say the thought of the plate as a backdrop didn’t cross my mind when I saw the label in on the shelf. The label’s a bit unusual—brown and gold with a kind of cattle brand/sheriff’s badge theme. I thought of the Double M Western Store and rodeo in upstate NY, an oxymoron if there ever was one. [I was feeling bold one day on my way to do an estimate and pulled in and tried on cowboy boots. I left empty handed; mistake.]
From my tasting notebook:
Aromas of sourdough toast, deep black cherries and plums, light cedar box, and smoky bacon fat. Great disposition—medium bodied; both juicy and heartily tannic. ‘Double T’ is an involved blend that is tart and dense, generous and approachable, with a keystone of rusticity that is so difficult to pin down in the under $20 California price point. Shows ease of character at a young age. Don’t miss the pepper, cool, and medicinal undertones.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Any California Cabernet-based wine that is blended with Cabernet Franc carries an advantage from my perspective as a buyer. I appreciate its vegetal dimension and uncanny ability to temper the meat heads.
Trefethen has a lengthy and impressive history in Napa Valley. To be honest, with ‘Double T’ you’re getting an opportunity to dip your toe into a family of wines that, if you’re like me, are largely cost-prohibitive, and I appreciate them putting together this wine. This is no pity juice—it’s very well made and thoughtfully balanced. Enjoy it if you find it. $17
-Rob
PITY JUICE!! Haha! No more Pity Juice for me!