Over the holidays, I tasted a number of wines from the other 46 states, with a Bordeaux-style blend leaving a lasting impression. The wine, the Yonah Mountain Vineyards 2006 Genesis, is produced by Yonah Mountain Vineyards. I’ve written about their wines a number of times (read more here), and each time I come away more impressed. Still a relative newcomer in the growing North Georgia wine scene, winemaker Joe Smith has helped push the winery into the wine spotlight with their premier blend Genesis.
The wine is made up of 51% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Mourvedre. In the glass, the dark purple wine starts off with a nose of black cherries, plum and spice. On the palate, bright red fruit, plum, and tobacco. Well-integrated tannin and oak on the finish. On day 2, the wine displayed more earthy qualities. Easily one of the more complex and balanced wines I’ve had to date from the state.
By no means is this a cheap wine, and at $40 (sold out), the Genesis is one of the highest priced wines from the state. But if you have the appetite for a local wine that delivers depth, balance and finesse, then I recommend you try the Genesis. Cheers!