BALLENTINE VINEYARDS BG INTEGRITY - 2001

This Bordeaux blend from Ballentine has an intriguing label that was inspired by a soil survey map from 1933 depicting the various soil types in Napa Valley. Planted in soil referred to as "Bale gravelly-loam" which is indicated by the acronym "Bg," the wine has a distinct "terrior" flavor.

TASTING NOTES:

Aged 22 months in 50% new French Oak barrels, this wine is made from 58% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Jammy, with a bit of cherry and vanilla, but dominated by dark fruit flavors and pleasant, toasty spices.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

85 PTS
An interesting effort, but at $32 a bottle it is really overpriced. There are some tremendous Cabernets and Meritages from California in this price range. Hard to recommend since the Integrity is only slightly above average.