2006 Black_Nova_II

I was introduced to Chateau Julien’s Black Nova last November at Monterey’s Great Wine Escape Weekend.  It was an imaginative blend of Syrah and Zinfandel, which I remember just as fondly as my waterfront breakfast.  On the return trip this year, I was anxious to see what Chateau Julien’s winemaker, Bill Anderson, had come up with this year.  Black Nova II was waiting for me.  I should be honest here and admit, when I sampled the wine at the Grand Tasting that weekend, I thought its predecessor was superior.  However, when sitting down to a formal tasting, I had to reconsider.  I did not reveal anything about the wine to my fellow panel members, but they all loved it.  And, the second time around, I enjoyed it much more as well.

 

Chateau Julien 2006 Black Nova II / San Antonio Valley

 

Winemaker Bill Anderson gives us the sequel to his imaginative Zinfandel and Syrah blend from last year.   It’s a luxurious wine, with an intoxicating nose that’s rich with creamy vanilla, ripe blackberry, black currants, smooth raspberry jam, and just a hint of cedar.  The palate is beautifully soft, bringing layered flavors of raspberry and blackberry, which move into notes of vanilla, earth, and a small kick of pepper.  It’s elegant, yet complex, making it worthy of a beef-tenderloin Christmas dinner.

FBWorld Panel Score: 93