Mi Sueno is a relatively new winery, and one that I had never heard about until a few weeks ago.  They recently had a wine tasting at the Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas and featured this winery.  Although I did not attend the event, I saw the wine left over from the tasting on the display shelf and it caught my eye.  El Llano is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Syrah.  The wine is from Napa Valley.  It seemed interesting, and I always like trying new things and giving new businesses a chance, so I bought a bottle and took it home.  Before I go any further, let me point out that this wine benefits from an hour of breathing before consumption.  When I first opened the bottle without any decanting, I noticed that the wine had a nice bouquet, but  seemed a little unbalanced on the palate.  I got caught up in other home obligations, and forgot about the wine.  After the kids were in bed, I went back downstairs and remembered my wine.  I took another sip and it was delightful.  The balance was perfect.  I broke open a piece of dark chocolate that I planned on enjoying for dessert, and ate it with the wine.  What a beautiful pairing it turned out to be, albeit I realize that red wine with dark chocolate is a little unconventional for some.  It works here, just trust me and try it!

Regardless of food pairing, after this wine opened up it continued to boast a beautiful bouquet, which consisted of subdued blueberries, a hint of campfire smoke, and fresh herbs.  On the palate the wine has plenty of fruit, but is also a little earthy with truffle undertones.  The tannins are not intrusive, and the finish lasts about 15 seconds and had a nice little syrah kick at the end.  Overall, I really enjoyed this wine, and I hope the winery can be successful in the competitive market place for new Napa Valley wine producers.  If this wine is any indication, it appears that Rolando Hererra, founder and winemaker for Mi Sueno is on the right path.  I rate this wine almost 4 stars.  I paid 35 dollars for the wine at Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas.  They also carry it for the same price at the Wine Loft, located at the Carlsbad Forum shopping center .

 

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