The 2010 Banshee Mordecai Red has a whopping thirteen varietals! The only other wine with 13 varietals is Chateuneuf du Pape, with 9 Red and 4 white. The 2010 blend consists of: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Montepulciano, Mourvedre, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Carignane (whew). One could call this bouillabaisse, but all joking aside, this is an awesome great value priced wine.
The result is a worthy follow up to the success of their inaugural blend. This vintage, a Napa Cabernet parcel stepped up to take the lead role but it is fascinating to see how the other varieties express themselves. The Syrah adds a little spiciness, the Grenache bright red fruit, and the Cabernet Franc an intriguing nose. Each piece adds something distinct and essential to the wine. We like to think of this as a marriage between Bordeaux and Rhone, consummated in California.
Banshee 2010 Mordecai Red
This wine is rich and full-bodied, the cool 2010 vintage bestowed a certain class and elegance to the wine. On the nose one encounters gorgeous aromas of black stone fruit, a hint of coffee and a whiff of spice. On the palate, this full-bodied gem offers black currant, chocolate and an array of spices (probably from the Syrah, Grenache, etc.). The finish is long, elegant and silky smooth. This is an ideal wine for multiple food pairings or for those who cannot decide what to pair with chicken, fish, steak, lamb, ribs, and game. Also good with a heart pasta for those vegetarians (I don’t want to forget them!)