Goldback Wines, Rogue Valley (Oregon) 2018

 Named after a fern indigenous to Southern Oregon, this authentic, small lot artisan winery was launched in 2016 by winemaker/owner Andy Myer.  He caught the wine bug as a college student working in the tasting room at Cristom Vineyards.  His resume expanded to include working harvests at William Selyem and Hirsch Vineyards in Sonoma, Felton Road in New Zealand, Mark Ryan in Washington, and Cape Mentelle in Western Australia.  From these experiences as well as his time as a restaurant wine director, he favors a minimalist approach to winemaking and aims to preserve natural acidity in whites and tannin integration in his reds.  This “Cuvée” bottling is the winery’s version of a Côtes-du-Rhône or drink-now red.  A blend of 58% Syrah and 42% Grenache, it offers plenty of bright raspberry fruit in its aroma and has a pleasing soft entry to deliver berry and cherry flavors.  Medium bodied, it has hints of leather and pepper, but with soft tannins, it comes across as smooth, refreshing, versatile and chillable.