2011 Hook and Ladder Tillerman Russian River Valley Red Table Wine

Total Wine and More sells Hook and Ladder Tillerman for $19.99 but I found it recently at Costco for $10.99. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (43%), Cabernet Franc (23%), Sangiovese (18%) and Merlot (16%), all coming from various lots on the Los Amigos Ranch in the Chalk Hill section of the Russian River Valley. The varietals were aged in European and American oak for 17 months and then blended and bottled.

The wine has a medium violet color and a weak flavor. The outstanding flavor to me is a sour, acidic cedar. Although I was impressed with the amount of aging and the sourcing of the grapes from one property, this is not my favorite style of red blend. I will move on to other wines.

SC Wine Joe rating = 86

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