Bring the Volcano!

The wind is blowing 24mph from the South with rainy gusts to 40. It's autumn on the beach but it's doing a good job of being wintery. While the atmosphere plays percussion on my windows, I desire to feel cozy and warm with a glass of something yummy. Better than a blanket, bring the Volcano! Lava Red 4 is a red blend from Volcano Vineyards in Bend, Oregon. It contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Mourvedre for a captivating taste bud romp. 

Lava Flow 4

Volcano Vineyards

The nose is sweet spice and woodsy, kinda sassy. It holds true on the tongue with that kitchen spice leading into perky pomegranate notes and dark berries. There's definitely something warm and fuzzy on the finish that doesn't last long enough to keep me from taking the next sip or the next glass. 

I was stymied on my first samples of the wine by a flavor I couldn't put my finger on. I really liked it, and it was familiar, but it wouldn't register as a taste. It had something to do with the sweet almost vanilla like tones blending with the wood. It finally hit me; Amber. If you have ever smelled the essential oil from amber resin, it has a lovely, sweet wood smell different from cedar or sandalwood. It's one of my favorite smells and this tastes like that smells, an unusual treat.

This lively red blend is beguiling enough to sip alone but is really nice with red meat, pizza, and even the bison stroganoff with chanterells we love to make this time of year. Liz and Scott have a tasting room in Bend, where they make their wines. You might notice that there aren't any big vineyards in Bend (yet) so they get their grapes from the Rogue region and the Columbia regions as well. I look forward to the Lava Flow on the Ozone tasting list this winter and indulging on their Sangrias in their tasting room next summer. Cheers.