Leviathan makes bold claims. Meant to compete with trophy wines in the three-figure category, this wine nonetheless sells for a healthy $48. It may be cheap for those who salt away $500 cult reds, but it’s still a price to be reckoned with. This delectable red, crafted by winemaker Andy Erickson, delivers on all cylinders. It’s a four-grape “Meritage” blend from grapes grown throughout California in a stellar vintage. If the price is right for you, the wine will please no end.
2012 Leviathan, California Red Wine $48 srp
Midnight dark, dense color. A totally extroverted nose of blackberry and plum, with effusive notes of coffee, graphite, cigar box and pepper. Flavors are juicy and long with a burly mouthfeel suggesting dark cherry compote with toffee and cedar overtones. Remarkably fun to drink now but, slightly disagreeing with the winemaker, I can see it improving even further with a bit of bottle age. Grilled meats, strong cheeses or a lentil-barley soup will thank you tonight. (45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 14% Syrah) Drink now-2019.
93/100 points
To purchase this bottle of wine or to find something similar from a wide selection of wines, email or call Hope Valley Bottle Shop at 919-403-5200. Don’t miss their free wine tastings every Saturday evening from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Find your favorite bottle or expand your palate with something new from Hope Valley Bottle Shop — South Durham’s original bottle shop. Visit them at the Woodcroft Shopping Center or at hvbottleshop.com.
