We imagine that when the powers that be at the Parducci Winery were trying to find a name for a new line of premium wines, many suggestions were mentioned.
Knowing Parducci, we really doubt that the names suggested were in line with some wineries' practice of giving wines funky names like "bulbous proboscis" or "exposed posterior" to attract buyers to their label rather than relying on the qualities of their wines.
Parducci’s problem was solved when someone commented the new wines were like the John Wayne of red wines. With that said, it was inevitable the name "True Grit" would come up, as it was one of John Wayne’s best performances, and was promptly adopted. If these wines are a tribute to “The Duke,” it is very well placed. These wines are - as was John Wayne - way above the ordinary.
True Grit Petite Sirah Reserve ($29)In the petite sirah, we have another grape variety that was ignored by the French but found a new destiny in the hands of California winemakers.
The grape, known in France as the durif, never amounted to much as a wine grape variety, so it was promptly discarded and almost forgotten. Discovered by American vintners, the variety has emerged as a grape capable of making exceptional wine and is gaining in popularity among wine lovers.
The True Grit vintners have worked their magic on that grape and have produced an outstanding wine, the True Grit Petite Sirah Reserve.
This is a rich, full-bodied wine that is as intense in flavor and aroma as it is dark in color. Its aroma is resplendent with blackberry, currant, anise and black pepper, leading to a flavor which is a kaleidoscope of all of the possible dark summer berries, dark chocolate and a positive pepper, caramel and oak background.
The finish, to use a modern expression, is to die for. The berry, chocolate and caramel flavors remain on the palate for an incredibly long time and then comfortably reside in your memory. This is a truly elegant wine that should not be missed.
True Grit Cabernet Sauvignon ($30)This is an exceptionally well-made wine that exhibits a very heady aroma and big fruit flavors.
The True Grit Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of several varieties of red grapes, comprising 92 percent cabernet sauvignon, 3 percent petite verdot, 3 percent cabernet franc and 2 percent syrah. It's not exactly the classical Bordeaux style, but this wine resides much more in the modern style than the classical.
The aroma is a delicate balance of cherries, cassis and just the right amount of oak. The flavor revolves around black currants and blackberries in combination with an earthy component that weaves through the wine and adds a heightened interest. The background flavors seem to be constantly changing as the wine rests in the glass.
There is a refined and dignified amount of oak, which sometimes tastes sweet and at other times slightly smoky, as well as a firm tannic backbone that will assure many years of bottle aging.
The True Grit Cabernet Sauvignon is a magnificent wine that will far exceed even the most demanding critic's expectations.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and helps manage ArticlesOnWine.com with his wife, Sheila. He can be reached at frojhe@suddenlink.net.
