VINTAGE BABY BLUE // A RARE FIND

By Elizabeth Lowder

Why have just one, when you can have them all? Now you don’t have to travel to the coast of France, or

across the country to have access to great wine. Blue Rock’s Baby Blue is a unique, proprietary Bordeaux

blend made in an approachable style that is memorably delicious on release. Per several recommendations,

this selection is sure to please, from seasoned aficionado to those taking their first sip.

This 2011 vintage is undeniably fragrant and lush, featuring toasty oak aromatics paired alongside sweet

chocolate-covered blueberries. To be exact, the 100% Estate 2011 Baby Blue is 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14%

Merlot, 8 % Malbec, 7% Petite Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Syrah. The wine spent 16 months in French Oak

and has been bottled unfined. Created entirely of Estate fruit, this deep red wine combines the best flavors of

Sonoma Valley.

Nestled in the foothills of Sonoma, California, Blue Rock Vineyard prides itself on the breathtaking scenery that

doubles as the perfect foundation for high-quality wines. The vineyard believes that the finest, most individually

expressive wines come from small places. According to the vineyard’s website, “We do not make wine, we raise it.”

The luscious vines are carefully tended to, in order to ensure premium quality and taste for each customer.

“We will produce only small quantities of luxurious red wines that express their sense of place. Blue Rock,

therefore, will always make wine from grapes grown exclusively on the 100 acre Estate in Sonoma, Alexander

Valley,” the website reads.

Kenny Kahn purchased the vineyard property in 1987, and has strived to create a self-contained European style,

competitive with the esteemed wines of Napa Valley. The winery itself is named after the magnesium-rich Serpentine

rock that flows through the area. Blue Rock Vineyard assures that its bold flavored wines will always come from the

fertile land of the blue rocks, pebbles, and boulders – which is what makes the property so unique and special.

Kahn, as the owner of this esteemed artisanal winery, recognized the need for an affordable, everyday cabernet that

would be nothing short of memorable. One of the best qualities of this selection is that it tends to such a versatile

palette. To complement the flavors of this exquisite blend, pour a glass of Baby Blue alongside a fresh array of

seafood, or perhaps a delicately marinated cut of red meat such as ribeye.

The tall, slim bottle exudes both mystery and elegance, boasting the rich flavor of a $60 bottle, while priced as a

value under $30. This is the quintessential selection to cozy up with as the chills of the winter months dwindle away.

The vintage Baby Blue is truly a rare find. It is a safe bet when entertaining a crowd for a small gathering, or intimate

dining experience. The 2011 Blue Rock Vineyard Baby Blue can be purchased exclusively at Carpe Vino in