On this wine tasting trip I was really looking for wines that I had not had before and not the same old Cabernets and Chardonnays. I was looking for something that would hit me between the eyes.
When I think of a blush, I am usually reminded of a White Zinfandel. Occasionally a rosé, like Lancer's Rosé, will come to my mind. The funny thing is that when I think of what reminds me of a blush, I will also think of the taste that particular wine has.
It is hard to have someone tell you that they would like you to try a Chardonnay and for you not to think of a favorite Chardonnay that you enjoy. When you taste the Chardonnay, if it is not like your favorite, you might be disappointed.
So it was with the Santa Fe Blush. We went to the Santa Fe Vineyard which is a combination of the winemaking facility, gift shop, picnic area, and tasting room. It sits on Route 285 south of Espanola, NM.
Santa Fe Vineyards
18348 US Hwy 84/285
Espanola, NM 87532
(505) 753-8100
We went in and went over to the wine tasting bar. They had all of the usual wines like Merlot, Chardonnay, Chardonnay Reserve and Cabernet. I tried the Chardonnay Reserve which was rich and buttery and reminded me of my favorite Chardonnays. I tried the Chardonnay (not Reserve) which was dry and had no butter taste. I also tried the Merlot which was aged in American oak. It was full bodied and had a deep purple color in the glass.
Then I tried the Rojo Dulce. Now I was on to something. This would be a good wine for a barbeque dinner or spicy Mexican food. It had a medium sweetness and I tasted a slight hint of cherries. It was very pleasant.
The last wine I tasted was the Santa Fe Blush. This was it! This is the one I was looking for. It was not a wine for dinner but a wine for mid afternoon as an aperitif. Chill it down slightly and pull it out to enjoy with an afternoon college football game, or serve it with friends over for an afternoon visit. It was very light and you could definitely taste strawberries on the palate.
It was not a White Zinfandel or a rosé. I have a whole new appreciation of blush and this is the wine I will think of when I am confronted with a blush in the future.
Blush Table Wine
Santa Fe Blush
12% Alc by Vol
$9.50 plus shipping
Picture can be found here:
Santa Fe Blush
I bought three bottles - two for me and one for my mother-in-law. (She watched my cats while I was gone.)
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