Back in April, Bedell Cellars released the first wine in its Artist Series. To get the Eric Fischl-designed label on that 2001 Reserve Merlot, you had to dish out $200 bucks for a magnum (750ml bottles are $30, but don’t have the special label.) Probably out of most of our price ranges…even if I think it’s the best wine I’ve tasted from the winery.

This weekend, they will release the second wine in the Artist Series, a blend of 50% Viognier, 35% Chardonnay and 15% Gewürztraminer, dubbed simply Taste.

The label was designed by reknowned artist Barbara Kruger, a reknowned artist whose artwork
has appeared in galleries and museums as well as on billboards, buscards and
posters.

The
wine’s label (pictured right) features a black and white image of a woman’s face with the word
"Taste" written in red over the woman’s mouth (thus the wine’s name).

Eyes:  Pale, lemony yellow with slight fizz visible around the edges

Nose: Citrusy aromas of grapefruit and lime are joined by light melon notes and a little sweet spice.

Tongue: This wine is medium-bodied and tart with lime, honeydew, cantelope and even a little fig flavor. It’s very bright and crisp and yet the finish is a bit coating and lingering.

Price:$25 (150 cases produced, half pre-sold to the wine club, restaurants and wine shops)

Nena’s Grade: B
Lenn’s Grade: B+

Overall: Tasted from a hand-labeled 375ml pre-release sample, the varietal character of each grape was noticeable, with the blending also created something above and beyond. I expect that with a little more bottle age, some richer fruit flavors will develop and poke through, adding layers of complexity and depth. Definitely worth buying in a few months, or buying and cellaring.