Hope's End Red Blend, 2017

 This Red Blend is an Australian version of a Cotes du Rhone--mostly a blend of Grenache (39%) and Syrah, also known as Shiraz (41%). Other grapes, in this wine but not typical of Cotes du Rhone, are Malbec (12%) and Petit Verdot (8%). Although the grapes comes from South Australia, the wine is sold by Trinchero 'Family Estates of St. Helena, Napa County, California.

When first poured, I noted the bright crimson color typical of Grenache but also darker tones, even some purple that suggests oak maturation. Grenache is also apparent in the bright red berry aromas and flavors that make the wine a friendly and useful choice for a range of every day dishes. The winemaker's notes use the term "jam" twice, and, yes, the wine is ripe enough to cover up some of the rough oak tannins. The notes also mention "vanilla" and a "hint of chocolate." Compared to my favorite Cotes du Rhone wines, this Hope's End Red Blend is a bit awkward and heavy handed. Others, who are more attuned to New World wines, might disagree.

Part of a Trinchero virtual tasting staged by Fieldstone Grill in Portage, the Hope's End Red Blend went well with a delicious onion and mushroom tart (part of the tasting) but was too heavy for grilled Atlantic salmon the following night.