Cohete Rojo is Spanish for "Red Rocket" (in the sense of fireworks).

The 2004 vintage produced about 96 cases of a "Cohete" that has it all - terroir, interesting, individualistic fragrances, as well as a fruit level that brings finesse and elegance in the balance. The cépage here is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tannat and Alicante Bouchet. Amply colored and possessed of fruit, this is nonetheless a classic example of a terroir driven wine (as opposed to the venerable "fruit bomb" of the so-called "international style".) A whiff leaves one to wonder more than "Is this red or black fruit?" It's both, but the wine's complication does not end there. Reminding perhaps of a fine Provençale red, the nose is earthy with an iron character, almost a scent of gunpowder. Floral notes of honeysuckle, magnolia and sandalwood chime in, leaving a combined smell that we've come to refer to as "pipeclay". Imagine an old iron pipe uncovered in moist red clay rich in minerals. "Floral minerality" is the shorthand description we've given it on the back label.

Suggested presentation: The Cohete Rojo is truly is different, intriguing and a chef's dream to work with when it comes to food pairing. Incorporation of earthy components - wide ranges of mushrooms, root vegetables and herbs - harmonize well with it. It is a natural with pasta, pork, veal or fowl, especially duck.  Rare seared tuna or grilled salmon pairs well with it, as would just about any type of charcuterie. The "Cohete" takes nicely to a larger, more bowl shaped glass, but is quite friendly in everyday, all-purpose stemware. Decanting will help the wine open up but is optional. Serve just a little above "cellar temperature" (62 degrees F). Au table !

Cohete Rojo "Prestige" | Pétard Blanc 2005  
La Rosa 2005 | Estate Syrah | Troubadour