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Leviathan: Definition = "1) A monstrous sea creature; 2) Something unusually large or formidable."
The wine is called '07 "Leviathan" - it is a proprietary red blend produced by Andy and Annie Erickson. You may know Andy as the winemaker for a few noted labels including Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Ovid, Arietta, Favia, etc.
Leviathan is Andy's fun project. The wine is sourced from a wide variety of places throughout California. It is a chance for him to try out new vineyards, younger vineyards, wines from friends, and leftovers from some of his "other" wines. These combined "leftovers" from unidentified sources are: 40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Syrah, and 14% Merlot. It is interesting to note the use of the Syrah component at work again in this otherwise Bordeaux varietal blend. Remember Karen Culler's 07 Casaeda!
Andy's 07 "monster" is a very delicious, supple, well balanced wine that shows depth and some complexity. I enjoyed the dark cherry and plum fruit with background hints of cedar and graphite. The wine has quite the "yum" factor, is mouthfilling, with integrated fine tannins on the lingering finish. One should consider the 07 Leviathan a bargain at $47.95. It would make a lovely gift for the curious wino who wants to see what all the fuss is about, or even your favorite wine connoisseur who has already paid the extravagant prices for Erickson's other wines! Yes, the going rate for Screaming Eagle is now a ridiculous $750 a bottle on release. But don't blame poor Andy, he is just the winemaker!
Handsomely packaged with a black "20,000 Leagues Under-the-Sea" like creature silhouetted on a dark gold background, Leviathan is sold via Andy's direct mailing list, but about 100 cases have been made available to one of our brokers in San Francisco.
Btw - The back label reads "produced by ACE Wine Company". Not to worry, these are Andy Erickson's initials.
Thanks for throwing us this good gnawing bone....Andy!
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