Friday is my favorite night for wine; nothing helps to close out a long work week like good company and a stellar vino. Last night, we opted for a bold wine. Appropriately named, “The Knockout” is a rich, dark Cabernet (84%) blended with Petit Verdot (8%) and Cabernet Franc (8%). Like its cousin, “The Fighter,” this bottle showcases one of Les Behrens’ prized art pieces featuring a boxing ring and all the drama and glory contained within the ropes. Still young, this wine was dramatic, as well. As you might expect, it appeared a dark garnet color in the glass. We also didn’t give it much air or time to decant before taking an initial sip. A few swirls helped to release aromas of dark berries, anise and cedar. (Side note: I always like to take an initial sniff and then try again after I’ve covered the glass with my hand to make the experience more intense.)
On the tongue, this balanced, full-bodied wine displayed fresh acidity and medium, dry tanins. In addition to the initial notes, The Knockout produced flavors of spice and a long, drawn-out finish.
I typically do not fuss much with food and wine pairings and really enjoyed drinking this one on its own. We rated it a strong 4.25 out of 5. Should you wish to try The Knockout, it’s available by direct-order from the winery (278 cases made).
We picked up this bottle at Behrens Family Winery during our last Napa visit in September – this was actually our third time tasting at their Spring Mountain facility. I always recommend a visit to Spring Mountain to anyone and this spot is usually included as one of the must-sees. It’s well-worth the drive up. For those who haven’t been, guests get to taste a long list of (some) past and current releases inside a vintage Airstream trailer that seats seven to eight people comfortably. Behrens Familys’ view of the valley is absolutely breathtaking and makes for a wonderful picnic setting.
