Team C&J
The Columbia Valley in Washington State has long been celebrated for its rich, complex wines, and Two Vintners’ 2021 Legit Red is a shining example. Priced at $35, this Bordeaux-style blend, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, offers remarkable value and a sophisticated tasting experience. With a value rating of 5 and an impressive WTF score of 94, this wine is crafted by the skilled winemaker Morgan Lee. Let’s dive into a detailed review of this exquisite wine, from its origins to its tasting notes, and explore why it stands out in the crowded world of Cabernet Sauvignon blends.
Washington State’s Columbia Valley is known for its unique terroir, characterized by its dry, sunny climate and diverse soil types. This region provides the perfect conditions for growing premium wine grapes, particularly Bordeaux varietals. The long, warm days and cool nights allow for a slow and even ripening process, which enhances the complexity and depth of the wines produced here.
Two Vintners, under the guidance of Morgan Lee, has built a reputation for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Columbia Valley. The winery focuses on small-batch, meticulously crafted wines that showcase the potential of the region’s terroir. The 2021 Legit Red is a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation.
The 2021 Legit Red is a Bordeaux blend with Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant grape. This blend typically includes other Bordeaux varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The precise composition of the blend can vary from year to year, depending on the quality and character of the grapes from each vintage.
Morgan Lee’s approach to winemaking involves a combination of traditional techniques and modern innovations. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and then sorted to ensure only the best quality fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh fruit flavors and maintain the wine’s vibrant acidity.
After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for a period ranging from 12 to 18 months. This aging process allows the wine to develop additional complexity and integrates the oak’s subtle flavors of vanilla and spice with the rich fruit characteristics of the wine.
In the glass, the 2021 Legit Red presents a clear, deep ruby color. The wine’s clarity and intensity are immediately noticeable, promising a rich and robust tasting experience.
On the nose, this wine is pronounced and developing, offering a beautiful bouquet of primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas:
Primary Aromas: Black currant, Asian five-spice, cinnamon, mint, and lavender dominate the initial olfactory impression.
Secondary Aromas: Notes of cigar box and graphite add a layer of sophistication and depth.
Tertiary Aromas: Hints of leather emerge, suggesting the wine’s potential for further aging and development.
The nose is complex and inviting, setting the stage for a memorable tasting experience.
On the palate, the 2021 Legit Red is dry, with medium-minus acidity, high tannins, and high alcohol (14.6% ABV). The wine boasts a full body and pronounced flavor intensity, leading to a long, satisfying finish. The flavor profile mirrors the nose, with dominant notes of:
Primary Flavors: Black cherry, black currant, eucalyptus, licorice, mint, and lavender.
Secondary Flavors: Subtle oak and graphite.
Tertiary Flavors: Leather, contributing to the wine’s overall complexity and structure.
The high tannins provide a firm structure, while the medium-minus acidity ensures balance and freshness. The pronounced flavors and long finish make this wine a joy to drink, and its $35 price point offers excellent value for such a high-quality wine.
The 2021 Legit Red’s rich, complex profile makes it a versatile wine for food pairings. Here are some suggestions to enhance your tasting experience:
Red Meats: Grilled steak, lamb chops, or beef tenderloin are classic pairings that complement the wine’s tannic structure and deep fruit flavors.
Hard Cheeses: Aged cheddar, gouda, or parmesan will balance the wine’s tannins and bring out its subtle nuances.
Hearty Dishes: Rich, savory dishes like beef stew, mushroom risotto, or a well-seasoned pot roast will match the wine’s bold character.
To fully appreciate the 2021 Legit Red, it is recommended to serve the wine at a temperature of 62–68°F (16–20°C) in a large Bordeaux glass. Decanting the wine for at least one hour before serving will help to open up its complex aromas and flavors, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
The 2021 Legit Red is enjoyable now but has the potential to age gracefully until 2035. The wine’s high tannin content and complex structure suggest that it will continue to develop and evolve in the bottle, gaining additional layers of complexity and smoothness over time. For those who can exercise patience, cellaring this wine for a few more years will undoubtedly yield rewarding results.
The 2021 Two Vintners Legit Red is a remarkable wine that showcases the best of what the Columbia Valley has to offer. With its deep ruby color, pronounced and developing nose, and complex palate, this wine delivers an exceptional tasting experience at a reasonable price point. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this Bordeaux-style blend is a testament to Morgan Lee’s winemaking prowess and Two Vintners’ commitment to quality.
For those seeking a sophisticated, high-value Cabernet Sauvignon blend, the 2021 Legit Red is a must-try. Its versatility in food pairings, aging potential, and overall excellence make it a standout wine that will delight both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. Cheers!
USA
Columbia Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
14.6
Morgan Lee
62–68°F / 16–20°C
Burgundy
1 Hour
Now to 2035
Two Vintners
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