Dark Horse is one of those wines that’s certifiably everywhere. It’s almost impossible to walk into any grocery store and not be able to find a bottle of it. While their Cabernet is serviceable, and their Sauvignon Blanc wasn’t bad, I found their limited edition Petite Sirah to be killer for the price. With such potential coming from a single varietal, it makes me curious about Dark Horse Big Red Blend. Featuring Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, it hails from 4 different countries and three different continents. With all that opportunity, can it make a great wine?
[Disclosure: Dark Horse kindly sent over this wonderful bottle, and well as recipe for a cocktail, which I’ll post at the bottom.]
Sight: Deep inky purple, with a thick magenta edge.
Smell: Much like the sight, the smell is deep, dark, and full of fruit and oak. Blackberries, plums, and currants all feature prominently with a good dose of smoke and spice. Hints of coffee and gamey meat add another layer.
Sip: The body is firm, fleshy, and full with plenty of brightness. A smokey note lolls across the palate, coating the blackberries and black currants that show up. Spices hint about, with a mix of jammed black cherry. Coffee and mocha make their presence known.
Savor: The ending is rich with dark chocolate, smoke, and blackberries. The tannins are present, but rather relaxed for such a powerful body.
Dark Horse Big Red Blend delivers what it claims to be in spades, both big and red. The dark fruit flavors do well at creating layers against the oak. The flavor profile is very aggressive, and big red drinkers will feel right at home here. There’s a lot to enjoy here with Dark Horse Big Red Blend for only $10, and it’s a good choice to serve to the big red lovers at your gathering.
Verdict: Smoke, Blackberries, Coffee, Dark Chocolate, Smooth
Rating: 86
Price: $10 [This bottle was received as a sample]
Modesto, California
Blend: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Available At:
The Stallion’s Shadow
Created by NYC Mixologist Lauren Davis
Ingredients
2 ounces Dark Horse Big Red Blend
½ ounce Bourbon
½ ounce Cherry Herring Liqueur
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Brandied Cherry and Orange Twist for Garnish
Directions
- Combine Dark Horse Big Red Blend, bourbon, cherry herring liqueur and angostura bitters in rocks glass.
- Add big ice cube and stir.
- Garnish with brandied cherry and orange twist.