A whorl of dark, concentrated aromas of cassis, blackberry, plums, dark chocolate, sandalwood and cedar, Sidecar’s Off the Wagon Claret is plush and deeply layered. A new label for Aberrant Cellars, the winery calls its Sidecar Wine Trials line an “exploratory search engine into the diverse varietal wonders outside Pinot Noir.” The 2016 Off the Wagon Claret is a blend of 35% Carménère, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Malbec. Ripe, sueded tannins bolster Malbec’s signature herbaceousness, adding a lovely green peppercorn and bay component. Cabernet Sauvignon lends structure while Carménère lends a touch of warm spice. 13.6% ABV | Sample
91 Points