Today’s Viszlay’s 2012 “Five Vines” is a Meritage-style blend that’s pretty remarkable, reminiscent of a Right Bank Bordeaux blend of superior quality.

The fog-influenced Russian River Valley is primarily known for its superlative Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but there’s warm “sweet spot” on Limerick Lane for Bordeaux varietals.

It’s rare to taste a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot from California, let alone the Russian River Valley! Viszlay’s “Five Vines” is a revelation on so many levels. It is a dead-ringer for high quality Saint-Émilion, which goes to show you that California vineyards have terroir that’s known, and still being explored.

We first encountered Viszlay Vineyards 2012 “Five Vines” Russian River Valley Red Blend while tasting at the Viszlay’s homestyle tasting room, just south of Healdsburg, in the warmest part of the Russian River Valley.

The fact that a fantastic Bordeaux varietal blend can be found in the Russian River Valley is something of an aberration. The RRV is Pinot and Chardonnay territory, but John Vizlay has worked some sort of magic to masterfully blend together spectacular Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from his namesake vineyard.

This very highly recommended wine is heady and deeply aromatic on the nose, with ripe blackberry, plum, black cherry and cassis out in front. These are followed by braised plum, sweet cedar, spice box, dark chocolate covered cherry and a hint of black pepper.

Juicy flavors splash across the palate, with blackberry juice, black cherry, cassis, dried cranberry, baker’s chocolate, toasty dark oak, vanilla, mixed spice, mocha and black pepper.

Our own agents are grabbing a few cases for themselves, we suggest that you do the same! At today’s price, you’re getting an Ultra QPR wine that drinks well above its price class.