For those of us who studied a particular era of history, C-47 was a two-engine plane that dropped paratroopers into places like Normandy and Holland. For those in the film industry, however, it stands for a clothespin.
From the label, which features a trio of the latter, one can surmise that winemaker Sabrine Rodems never went to jump school. Instead, she’s adding to her collection of award-winning bottles.
C-47 is Rodems’ second label, following the success of Scratch. She uses it to designate blended wines – the 2019 vintage mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc earned double gold from judges at the San Francisco Chronicle’s wine competition, and is a favorite at the Scratch tasting room. But the 2020 C-47 Syrah-Grenache should not be overlooked.
The blend is weighted 75-25 in favor of Syrah, as the rich blueberry bouquet suggests. But there’s also a soft, leathery herbal impression. On the palate, Grenache lends depth to the fruit and a twist of orange zest on the finish. And at first sip, the wine would seem fruit forward and bright. The Syrah blend is deceptive, however, slowly unveiling earthy notes of leather and tobacco, hints of crushed herbs and a reserved yet bristling peppery bite.
It’s an impressive showing from a new label. Then again, Rodems has star power as a winemaker. And – thanks to her time in Hollywood – she has also made us aware of a second (and now third) definition of C-47.
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