Cryptic Red Wine 2011

With wine and desire anything is possible, says the mirror writing on the Cryptic Red Wine label. Like a little kid, I’m excited to look at the bottle in the mirror. I hope I’m as impressed with the wine as I am with the packaging.
Cryptic is the latest brand (2012) from Purple Wine Company in Graton, CA. The company’s notes explain that the attractive gold graphic is a sixteenth century encryption wheel in which the three C’s represent the blend of its three varietal components. The cryptography theme is continued on the back label where you decode the jumbled letters to discover the secrets in the signature blend: Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2011 vintage has also added some Merlot to soften the blend.
The pour is deep ruby in color with good legs and aromas of cherries and dark berries. The character of the Zinfandel and Petit Sirah shine in the vibrant, jammy flavor. The tannins are modest including a hint of oak in the finish. A moderate acidity leaves my mouth a bit watery and balances the wine’s finish.
At about $15, Cryptic is on my list to try again. Plus, I’m saving this delightful bottle to display for a while instead of tossing it in the recycle bin.