2013 Barton Family Wines “The Dance” Red Blend ($50)

The Barton Family Wines is located in Paso Robles, California and Joe Barton is the Proprietor of “The Dance” red blend. He makes this wine in remembrance of Joseph Barton Sr., his father.

In 1994, the Barton Family established Grey Wolf Cellars with sights of running a boutique, craft winery focusing on small lot, high quality wines. Winemaker, Joe Barton has been doing just that ever since. Keeping with tradition, the Grey Wolf wines still entail small lot, creatively blended wines made from high quality grapes grown locally. In 2011 Joe released two new and exciting brands. One being the Barton label which entails a line of white wines and reserve reds. Joe's philosophy with the Barton brand is clean, dry, acidic and floral whites and best of the best red wines.

And “The Dance” is certainly in the ‘best of the best’ category. From Happy Canyon of Santa Barbera, this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc and 10% Malbec is outstanding. With only seven barrels being made, this is certainly ‘small lot.’

“The Dance” is medium ruby in color, with notes of plum and black currant and just a hint of oak. On the palate this one has great bold flavors, depth of character and wonderful complexity. Its tannins are soft and the finish is long and smooth.

This one’s a real winner and well worth being called a Behind the Cork™ Exceptional Wine.

If you are in Paso Robles, stop by and visit Barton Family Wines and Grey Wolf Cellars. Or check out their line of fine wines at www.bartonfamilywines.com

Cheers!