Dead Bolt Winemaker’s Red and White Blend, from Napa Valley

Both my writers, Merrie and Bridgette had the opportunity to work with me and review Dead Bolt Winemakers Red and White wines. See what they have to say!

Merrie tried the red. Whenever I try a new wine, I find that I try to learn as much about the wine itself before tasting it. My first choice is always to go to a tasting room and talk to the wine makers themselves if possible. At the very least, the people that work with and for them will typically know their stuff as well, giving you insight to the grapes and the blend and the aging. All of that information makes the wine more interesting to me, making me want to find the unique flavors and feelings that went into it, and hopefully appreciate and like it, as well.

But you can’t always taste in a tasting room, so I was happy that a bottle that came my way came with fantastic notes from the wine maker of Dead Bolt. I had the opportunity to taste their Winemaker’s Blend, and after reading the notes, I was enthusiastic to give it a swirl and taste. Here first is what they have to say.

*VISION: “Blending is the art of combining individual wines that complement each other in order to create a complete wine that’s better, more attractive, more complex.” – The vision of winemakers Leon Deans and Philip Laffer

There are no rules, no recipes, no boundaries. Only a winemaker’s philosophy and experience. And vision.

BLEND: California appellation.

The elegance, length and viscosity of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot masterfully blended with the strength and varietal power of Zinfandel, Petit Syrah and Shiraz.  A proprietary Winemaker’s Blend that’s kept under lock and key.

SEE: Deep ruby with a glint of purple.

SMELL: Rich ripe plum. Lots of spice and dark berries.

TASTE: Dark fruit, brown spice, chocolate.  All you’d want in a glass of red.

FEEL: Smooth. Full. Satisfying.

Full and round with rich fruit flavors and a velvety clean-cut finish, DEAD BOLT showcases what California winemaking is all about: POWERFUL SATISFACTION*

It’s hard to compete with that, but I’ll try.  To begin with, I really like the packaging of the bottle. The design is eye catching and unique, and I love that the logo is prominent above the cork, too. After I opened it, the “bouquet” was not strong or overwhelming. Very subtle and fruity. When poured into the glass the winemakers promise of “deep ruby with a glint of purple” was right — fantastic color!

Based on some of the description of taste, I was expecting a bit of a kick with the first sip, but Dead Bolt’s Winemaker’s Blend is a very easy going wine. None of the flavor is so strong that it overpowers the other flavors, making it a lovely blend that is easygoing on the palate and goes with just about anything. We tried it alone and then with a marinated flank steak, and both ways it was delicious. I did find that the steak overpowered the wine a bit, so we enjoyed a second glass the next night, but this time we paired it with bread and cheese. It was perfect! Just the right amount of flavor and fruit to go well with the soft gouda and aged white cheddar that we were enjoying. I couldn’t have been happier.

Their website appears to be under construction, but I’ve got it bookmarked and plan to see what else they offer.  According to some wine websites you can pick up a bottle for around the $14 range, which is reasonable to me for a nice red that you can be pretty sure even the most sensitive palate will enjoy. I’m looking forward to serving it the next chance I get. Thank you, Dead Bolt!

Bridgette tried the white. Let me start by saying I’m not a HUGE wine drinker. I will occasionally have a glass while out to dinner or at a party, but I’m not the one carrying the 6 pack of wine out of the grocery store! ;o)

I had an opportunity to try Dead Bolt Winemaker’s Blend a week or so ago while heading out for a birthday celebration with some great friends. We wanted to have a birthday toast at home before heading out. I won’t lie…I was also hoping for some feedback since I don’t consider myself a wine expert.

It wasn’t chilled quite as much as I like my white wines (due to an hour travel time to in the car), so I was a little nervous, but it turned out to be fine. At first I recognized a spicy taste and then it mellowed into a light sweet flavor. But it wasn’t too sweet or too dry. It was just right. (I feel like Little Red Riding Hood) We were saving room for our 4-course meal so didn’t get to pair it with any specific flavors. I enjoyed just being able to sip a good glass of wine!!

The Birthday Girl’s first impression was that is was kind of tropical. Probably from the hint of pineapple which is one of her favorite flavors. My husband picked out the peach and vanilla in the aroma. We all agreed it was a great complex flavor. A little different for each of us. It definitely left you wanting a second glass (which we did partake in…). I haven’t seen it at my local shopping spot yet but, keeping my fingers crossed. It will be a great wine to serve with my next girl’s crafting night!

Merrie is a writer for the Jen is on a Journey and you can also find her at her blog, Sleepless Mornings: “I’m the mother of two beautiful children, newly engaged, a scrapbooker, a baker, and sometimes I’m even fun to be around!”

Bridgette writes for Jen is on a Journey–I’m a mom with 3 kids (translated…a husband and 2 boys – 10 and 12 ) who’s reached that 35-47 age bracket. I love music, coffee, crafting, and devouring a good book! I currently work as the Office Administrator at a preschool. I’ve also worked as an HR Assistant, 911 Communications Operator, and Golf Course Starter. Our family loves animals, camping and fishing, baseball, hockey, and going to the movies. We have 4 cats and 1 amazing dog, Buster. When the kids aren’t playing baseball, we love spending time with our friends and family.

Products sent to facilitate review, all opinions their own.