Sanson Bird Dog Red 2005 Review
Winemaker’s Notes:
Bird Dog has developed kind a cult following in “The County” and this ’05 is a great example of why. This a serious, full-bodied wine with a prominent whack of oak – however, with extended cellar time at the winery it has become really nicely integrated and lost most of the youthful, astringent edge seen in its earlier tastings. It is still very firm though, packing a good tannic punch on the finish and would continue to age nicely in your cellar through 2015. At the time of this tasting (Nov. 2009) it showed deeply extracted ruby colours and was just beginning to take on some lovely, mature, garnet hues. The palate was also evolved, with all that sweet, elegant oak and notes of old leather in the forefront nicely integrated into the core of jammy raspberry fruit. This is a great fall/winter wine to serve with hearty braised meats or Sunday roasts.
Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Cabernet Franc 35%, Merlot 25%
VQA Lake Erie North Shore
13.5% alc./vol.
Price: 750 mL $19.95
Rate and review Sanson Bird Dog Red 2005
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Call this what you want but bottom line, it’s a Meritage and it is a very good one at that!
Colour is deep, dark red. Clasic Bordeaux red wines.
Interesting nose. Earthy, and oak are dominate.
Taste begins with red fruits. Picked up a lot of dark cherry. Very soft finish. Not a lot of tannins in this one. Has an interesting sweetness that hits the palate near the finish. Finish is short but right for this wine.
Overall impression of this wine is excellent. It is very good, pairs well with beef. Buy now and serve now … it is ready to be served.
I confess that this is my favorite creations that Sanson has put out regardless of the price, name, and fact that it is a blend. Who cares I say, it’s a cool name, tastes great and I would expect to pay a little more for a 2005 that’s still around and could be cellared for alot longer.
I think it is a perfect mix of the grapes used and it paired well with a mixed grill of lamb chops, Italian sausage, and pork loin.
An Essex County Classic!