Red Blend

Bordeaux blends earn their keep through layering rather than one dominant flavour, which is why the style survives dealcoholization better than most. Missing Thorn's version comes out of Napa, made by Aaron Pott with vintner Stephanie Honig from wines fermented in full before the alcohol is gently distilled off. In the glass it is deep ruby fading to a garnet rim. The nose leads with cranberry and pomegranate layered against tobacco, cedar and a little vanilla. The palate is fuller and darker than the aromatics suggest, blackberry, black cherry and cassis with mocha behind them and ripe tannins holding the structure together. Serve it at cellar temperature or a touch cooler, near 65 degrees, which keeps the fruit from flattening. It runs about 25 calories per 6 ounce pour with low sugar, and it is vegan and gluten free.