Luxury in a glass! The Doubleback Wine Estate Reserve 2021 is a bold red blend primed for aging. Intrigued? We’ll explore its profile, from aromas to pairings, to see if this Walla Walla gem belongs in your collection.
| Exact Wine Name: Doubleback Estate Reserve Producer: Bledsoe Family Winery Country/Region of Origin: Walla Walla Valley, USA Grape Varietals: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 7% Malbec Type: Red Blend Style: Bold Vintage Year: 2021 ABV: 14.7% Price Range: $219 – $375 per 750ml or 1.5L bottle Aroma Profile Details: Blue fruit, toasty oak, tar, pencil shavings, blackberry. Flavor Profile Details: Lush, rich, with a mouthwatering finish. Peak Drinking Window: Cellaring until at least 2026, then drink through 2040 |
Testing Notes & Rating
Popped open a bottle of the 2021 Doubleback Estate Reserve this evening, and wow, it was a real treat. The first thing that struck me was the color – an inky dark ruby that almost looked black in the glass. It was definitely a full-bodied wine, with a rich aroma that unfolded in layers. I picked up on some dark fruit notes, like blackberry, mingled with hints of toasty oak and a touch of something savory like pencil lead.
Taking a sip, the first impression was one of lushness and richness. The tannins were noticeable but not overwhelming, and there was a pleasant acidity that balanced the boldness of the wine. The flavors mirrored the aromas, with blackberry and some blue fruit coming through prominently. It had a long, mouthwatering finish that lingered for quite a while.
While I enjoyed this wine immensely, it is worth noting that it seemed a bit tight at first pour. It benefitted from some time to open up and breathe.
Positives
- Potential for aging
- Complex flavor profile
Negatives
- High price point
- May be tight upon initial opening
Breakdown
- Drinkability 4.8/5
- Food Pairing 4.7/5
- Value for Money 4.0/5
- Personal Preference 5.0/5
Overall, the 2021 Doubleback Estate Reserve is a powerful and complex red blend with serious aging potential. If you’re a fan of bold Cabernet Sauvignons and have a good cellar, this is definitely a wine worth considering. However, the price tag is on the steeper side, so be prepared for a bit of an investment.
Food Pairings for the Doubleback Wine Estate Reserve 2021
The 2021 Doubleback Estate Reserve is a bold red blend craving equally robust companions on your dinner table. Here are some ideal food pairings to unlock its full potential:
Hearty Red Meat: Grilled steaks, especially ribeye or New York Strip, stand up beautifully to the wine’s tannins and richness.
Slow-cooked Delights: Braised short ribs or pulled pork offer a luxurious and flavorful pairing. The slow-cooked tenderness complements the wine’s depth and complexity.
Winter Warmers: Lamb stews with root vegetables create a symphony of contrasting flavors. Earthy notes from the vegetables and richness from the lamb dance with the bold fruit and savory hints of the Doubleback.
These are just a few suggestions – explore and discover your own perfect pairings!
Food Pairings to Avoid with the 2021 Doubleback
While the 2021 Doubleback pairs beautifully with bold dishes, there are a few things to avoid:
Delicate Seafood: The wine’s robust tannins would overpower the delicate flavors of fish or shellfish.
Light Salads: Similarly, light salads with dressings wouldn’t complement the wine’s richness.
Spicy Dishes: Extremely spicy food can clash with the wine’s tannins, creating an unbalanced experience.
When to Indulge in the 2021 Doubleback
The 2021 Doubleback Estate Reserve is a versatile wine. You can enjoy it now, appreciating its youthful fruitiness and bold structure. However, this wine also has excellent aging potential. If you have a well-stocked cellar, consider cellaring it for a few years. As it matures, the tannins will soften, and the flavor profile will develop further, offering an even more complex and nuanced drinking experience.
Final Thoughts
The 2021 Doubleback Estate Reserve is a confident, full-bodied red blend that promises a luxurious experience. While the price tag reflects its quality, the rich flavors, aging potential, and ideal food pairings make it a compelling option for any Cabernet Sauvignon lover. Whether you choose to enjoy it now or cellar it for future enjoyment, the Doubleback is sure to leave a lasting impression.
FAQs:
Who owns Doubleback Wine?
Doubleback Winery is a family-owned operation. The winery was founded by former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe and his wife, Maura Bledsoe, upon their return to Drew’s hometown of Walla Walla, Washington. Josh McDaniels currently serves as the CEO and Director of Winemaking.
Where can I buy Doubleback Wine?
Since Doubleback produces limited quantities of wine, they primarily sell directly through their allocation list.
Does the 2021 Doubleback need to be decanted?
While not strictly necessary, decanting the 2021 Doubleback for 30 minutes to an hour can be beneficial. This allows the wine to breathe, which helps soften the tannins and open up the flavor profile.
What are the typical serving sizes for the Doubleback Estate Reserve?
A standard serving size for red wine is 5 ounces. This is a good starting point for the Doubleback as well. However, the richness of the wine might make you want to enjoy smaller pours to fully appreciate the complexity of the flavors.
How long can the 2021 Doubleback be cellared?
With proper storage conditions, the 2021 Doubleback has the potential to age for 15-20 years or even longer. Cellaring allows the tannins to soften further and the flavor profile to develop additional complexity.
