Solera Gold is a brand new brandy from Napa Valley Brandy Co., which in itself is a brand new entrant into the burgeoning world of California brandy. What, with all of the grapes being grown right here, they needn’t all find yourself in desk wine, proper?
The brandy is unusually made out of cabernet sauvignon and merlot grapes, harvested from Napa’s Coombsville AVA. Neither of these varietals is widespread in brandymaking. After double distillation, the completed product is aged for at least 4 years in a solera system, which deserves a VSOP designation.
California brandies might be distinctive. Let’s give this newcomer a strive.
Initially extraordinarily floral on the nostril, the brandy exhibits heavy components of honeysuckle and a extra austere, earthy potpourri word. There’s a grainy high quality to the aromatics that begins to dominate after the extra flowery qualities dissipate, adopted by a considerably grassy word. The palate gives extra complexity, although the youth of the brandy is clear all through. Notes of golden raisins, mild vanilla, mandarin orange, and a melange from the spice cupboard all make appearances right here, although the backdrop is relatively rustic. The brandy feels prefer it nonetheless wants time to coalesce, taming a few of its heavier, uncooked alcohol notes. That considerably chewy grainy high quality endures effectively into the end together with a reprise of heady florals and toasted, considerably dusty oak.
Finest as a mixer; strive it in a sidecar.
80 proof.
B / $70 / napavalleybrandyco.com [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Napa Valley Brandy Co. Solera Gold
$70
