Clif Family Winery The Climber Red

Monday, February 11, 2013

You can keep your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. I’ll take your Zinfandel blends of Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon, Petit Sirah and Merlot longing to provide me with good structure and a luxurious finish.

The same goes for the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Gross. I’d rather have a richly flavorful wine with lush aromas of blackberries and cherries.

And that’s fine. You can go on acting all high and mighty like you’re Captain Friggin’ America or something for welcoming the homeless, tempest-lost with open arms. I’ll just be over here with my new buds, vanilla and black pepper, enjoying these firm tannins and pleasant roundness without the stench of urine-soaked sidewalks assaulting my nostrils.

Total MSRP:   $ 197.30

• Blend: 50% Zinfandel, 36% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Sirah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot
• Alcohol: 13.9%
• Release Date: September 2011
• Cases Produced: 6,300
• Winemakers: Bruce Regalia, Sarah Gott

The 2010 vintage definitely kept the Clif family on their toes. A wet spring was followed by a long, cool growing season and some late heat spikes that helped the grapes reach full maturity. This unpredictable weather resulted in slightly restrained yet very elegant wines.

Woot