I love when I discover a new winery through Instagram and virtual wine tastings. My friend, Gary Thompson, from Wine Tasting Driver featured Ian White from Smith Devereux for a virtual wine tasting direct from the vineyards at the end of July. Prior to the tasting, I did order the tasting pack, unfortunately, UPS was late in delivering the wines, but I was ok with that, the anticipation was worth it. When I ordered the tasting pack I received a personal email from Ian, one of the co-owners. I was so impressed with how engaged Ian is with his customers. He offered food pairing suggestions and to talk to me any time.
I was lucky enough to have a conversation with Ian before the virtual tasting. His story is so interesting a wine writer and wine enthusiast turned vintner. Their first vintage was in 2012. Ian and team make wines that are more approachable with lighter tannins, meant to drink within 10 years. They focus on quality over quantity and wine pricing that is approachable. I was so excited after talking to Ian, I joined the wine club without even tasting the wines. Here is what’s great about being a club member, you get a 20% discount on the wine, access to Ian, tastings in the vineyard when you go to Napa and you become part of the Family. Ian’s enthusiasm and excitement is contagious and I needed to be part of the club. He’s also generous with his time and supports many wine bloggers.
The virtual tasting was so much fun even without the wines. Smith Devereux wants to tell a story with every bottle. They also want to help you tell your story and be part of your story. Such a cool philosophy. And now Ian and Smith Devereux are part of this Wine Diva’s Journey.
Once the wines arrived, I could not wait to taste them. I started with the SB White Blend. I really enjoy California Sauvignon Blanc’s, and the SB delivered lush tropical and stone fruits and slight minerality. This is definitely a porch pounder and at an amazing price point. I’ve paired this wine with scallops and risotto. I think it would be great with fish or shrimp tacos or brie. At an $18 price point, before club discount, this is a great value for a delicious wine. When I posted this to Instagram, all I could say was I’m in Love. This one is a winner.
Next up, Vacationer Rose, this is a dry Rose done all in stainless steal, no oak. It’s clean and food friendly. This is really good with spicy food, I’ve had it with spicy Chinese food and it’s amazing. It also pairs well with salads with a homemade vinaigrette. Totally reasonable for $17 a bottle.
The next wine I tried from my tasting pack, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. WOW, what a smooth finishing Cabernet. This is an easy drinking Cabernet that doesn’t require food, but when you pair it with a filet or ribeye, absolutely delicious. I have to say, Ian was right, they produce wines that are drinkable right away. Most Napa Valley Cabernets are getting really expensive, but again, Ian and team have this priced at $55 before the discount, with the 20% off, it’s a great price for a super drinkable Cabernet, It’s becoming a go to for me.
Do you like Zinfandel, what about blends. Well this blend from Smith Devereux which contains Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc is killer. Not heavy bodied or too jammy, it’s intense in flavor and paired really well with the pulled pork I made for dinner. I shared the bottle with friends, and they really liked it too. Not peppery or overpowering, it’s so good with food and without. Also really good with dark chocolate. Now are you ready for the price point on this red? This blows my mind, but this bottle sells for $20 before the club discount.
I was so excited to receive my fall club shipment, I’ve been anticipating the IBEX Merlot. Now, I’m normally not a huge fan of Merlot, probably because I drank a lot of it when I started drinking red wine. Most of it was under $10 a bottle, so not the best merlot to drink. But Ian has been talking about this wine that I was anxiously waiting to try it. This wine drinks like a cabernet lovers Merlot. It has enough body, not too light, but softer, rounder than a cabernet. I paired it with pizza, a total match made in heaven. Are you ready for the price on this one, $45 a bottle, prior to the club discount. It drinks like a Duckhorn merlot but for less than half the price. I’m glad I order 4 bottles because this is another winner and a great addition to my cellar.
So the verdict, I’m so happy I joined this club even without tasting the wine first. I’ve learned during the pandemic that I’m more open to trying some new wines, we all need some adventure during these times.
Thank you Ian White for bringing affordable wines with a story to your fans, who in turn become part of the family. You can follow ian_devereux_white or smithdevereuxwines on Instagram, he shares cool content and IG live events. Cheers to enjoying amazing wines.
