It is always nice to try interesting wines from interesting people.  One that we have found is The Dreaming Tree Crush ( Red Wine ) North Coast 2009 . The interesting people just happen to be Dave Matthews (yes THAT Dave Matthews) and Steve Reeder so we put their wine to the Cuisineist tasting panel for a closer look.

The Dreaming Tree wines portfolio, founded and harvested in California’s wine country, is a named after the Dave Matthews Band track, “The Dreaming Tree,” from the 1998 album, “Before These Crowded Streets.”  The portfolio also includes a 2010 Central Coast Chardonnay, 2009 North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon.

“For Crush, Dave and I hand-selected a special blend of our favorite  varieties to create a red wine that pulls you in with notes of smoky berry and a pop of raspberry jam. Around the dinner table or out on the patio, it’s a wine you’re going to want to share with your favorite people.” Steve Reeder stated.

“I just want to invite people in and there’s something about Steve that has that same quality,” added Matthews. “There’s a mutual respect that doesn’t entirely lean on my knowledge of wine or Steve’s knowledge of music, we both have our own audiences and that’s an interesting challenge. Steve can’t help but make good wine, because that’s what he loves. That is his gift “


The Dreaming Tree CRUSH ( Red Wine) North Coast 2009

This wine is a blend of Zinfandel and Merlot.  In the glass this wine was medium bodied and purple moving into deep red in color. On the nose hints of very ripe blue berries and vanilla are prominent. On the palate big blackberry notes are very prominent and gradually vanilla, hints of earth and some mineral come through with a medium finish. After tasting this blend, the predominant varietal is Merlot with the balance being the Zinfandel. If you are looking for a classic Merlot with its chocolate notes, The Dreaming Tree ( CRUSH ) 2009 is not for you.  However, if you want a nice drinking wine that will not let you down that is affordable, you can’t go wrong.  Our final conclusion, buy at bottle and enjoy now.