Tamas Red

tamasCalifornia doesn’t always have to taste like “California.”

Here’s what I mean by that:  the “California” style often means a big giant fruit bomb, with way too much oak, and alcohol, and everything.

But there are wineries making more restrained, more balanced, more elegant wines.

Tamas Estates is one of them. This Central Coast winery (which is owned by Livermore Valley’s Wente Vineyards) has an international feel. That’s no surprise: their tag line is “Hop on the Bus for an International Wine Tour.” I’ve reviewed their Sangiovese Rosato and Pinot Grigio, and both were really good Old World style wines.

Tamas Double Decker Red 2008 is no different. It’s a blend that incorporates ripe California fruit but doesn’t go over the top on “fruitiness.”

I started off with the nose, which offered some soft raspberry and blueberry aromas. The palate was balanced but not too big, with more gentle raspberry and blueberry notes.  And the best part was a nice dose of acid and gentle tannins, to add structure and balance. Double Decker never tasted too jammy or rich.

And then I gave this the Second Day test. This is  real simple test — it means leaving the bottle overnight to see how it develops with a little time. And Tamas Double Decker passed the test.

The fruit tasted richer and softer, with a nice vanilla finish.

And at around $10, this is good value. Cheers!

 

 

 

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