South Coast Winery

Winemaker Javier Flores says people call him “the sweet winemaker,” even though he never intended to take that path. But life often takes you on journeys you never envisioned. Take this wine, please. With this highly unusual deep red sparkling wonder, Flores has created something many people will find as intriguing and irresistible as the label. Evoking the feel of an art deco poster from the elegant pre World War II years, the label depicts a beautiful woman reclining in one of those “I own the world, so I don’t give a damn” poses. The kind of pose women only do for magazine covers or posters. Or for wine labels, in this case. The back label prose says that the Ruby Cuveé represents the elegance and vivacity of an era long past. Indeed, it conjured up some long gone eras for me: this stuff is a bit like fizzy Mateus, to be perfectly honest.

The Syrah grapes for this 'different strokes' wine came from the Temecula Springs Estate vineyards that surround the winery. The aromas are berries and chocolate and even a bit of coffee. The flavors are all those and more: very zesty, lush and balanced with a very bright acidity, despite being Extra Dry in fashion (.37 RS). If you really want to serve something far out and romantic at your next event – think Father’s Day brunch, a bridal or wedding shower or a family picnic with all the aunts and uncles – this deep ruby-red fizzer will win over more than a few hearts. There really is something appealing about a dark-eyed, red-haired sparkling beauty.

Reviewed December 20, 2007 by Laura Ness.