Covey Run Cabernet-Merlot 2001
A nice blend of three varietals that work well together in Washington,
just as they do in Bordeaux. This is the kind of wine to keep around
the house for when you're looking for something basic and pleasant to
have with dinner.
In the past few years, I have been finding myself increasingly drawn to blended wines. The Covey Run Cabernet-Merlot 2001 is an inexpensive (roughly $10) blend from the state of Washington. This is an everyday wine meant to be drunk young. The 2001 vintage is blended as 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc.
As a result of the blending, the wine is a combination of structure, fruit, and spice. The flavor is not especially intense, which makes it a good candidate for pairing with a dish like salmon or pasta. (That pairing ability is something that I especially appreciate finding in a red wine, since I am not a big fan of white wine in general.)