Wine Review Newton Claret 2007

Published on November 15, 2011

The name “Claret” is a British name for the wine that was imported from Bordeaux, France. Claret means clear, which the wine was. The filtering and fining of wines was not common, so the wines would have suspended solids. Claret was a highly sought after, sophisticated wine, imbibed by the well-heeled British folk.

The name has come and gone over the years, but I see  at least a few wineries in California have adopted the name for local Bordeaux blended wines.

The Bordeaux blend is of any of the following grapes in any percentage - Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The idea is to create a blend that suits the current vintage. If the Cabernet Sauvignon was better that year, they will add more of it in the final blend and so on. This wine is a Merlot based wine with Syrah – not your typical blend.

The Newton Claret, 2007, from Napa, California is an enjoyable wine with blueberry, plum, black cherry and white pepper flavours. It is easy to sip because the tannins are smooth. It is a well priced wine for its 93 point accolade from Wine Enthusiast.

Newton Claret CSPC#734936. Wholesale $16.48. 12/case, open stock.

Agent Charton Hobbs.