Paso Robles
$45 (Wine Club Reorder Price: $36)
Jason Bushong grew up in Southern California in the ’80s doing what most kids were doing: collecting vinyl, listening to Duran Duran, and discovering his passions. Thanks to a bottle of Santa Barbara County Chardonnay shared by a friend while still in high school, Jason found his passion for life. His first wine industry experience was as an intern at Fieldbrook Winery in Humboldt County. His experience working in many different AVAs (American Viticulture Area) over the past 26 years has given him a keen sense of how to produce elegant, balanced wines from the variety of soils available. The Bushong wines showcase Jason’s winemaking style, under his family label with a limited production of approximately 1000 cases per year.
You may not be familiar with Tannat, the primary grape in this blend. It’s relatively rare in the US with only about 2% of global Tannat plantings. (It is, however, much more common in Uruguay, where 44% of all Tannat is grown.) Tannat is believed to have originated in the Basque region of Europe on the border between France & Spain. It is a dry, full-bodied red with high tannin and medium acidity. Prominent flavors in Tannat often include black currant, plum, licorice, cardamom, and smoke. Although often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, in this case Bushong has created a unique blend of 67% Tannat, 27% Syrah and 6% Petite Sirah. You’ll find Tannat pairs well alongside richly marinated, barbecue grilled meats and vegetables.
“Strawberry preserves greet you while fig and cassis round out the palate with a finish of coriander and winter spices. Always finely structured for incredible balance in acid, fruit, tannin, and minerality.“ – Bushong Vintage Company
Amy Ryan – October 2021
Bacchus & Venus Wines 