A Wine for Tonight: 2010 Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret



By Kori ~ October 11th, 2012.

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2010 Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret from California.

Our selection criteria include:

  • A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
  • A price tag of <=$20
  • Must be widely available

The Coppola family has been making wine for several generations. Francis and Eleanor Coppola purchased 1,560 acres of the Inglenook Estate in 1975 and began making wine on their Napa Valley property. In 2006, they purchased the former Chateau Soverain tasting room, restaurant, and winemaking facility in Geyserville, California, with the plan to turn it into a family-friendly wine and food destination in Sonoma. They named Corey Beck as Director of Winemaking and General Manager for Francis Ford Coppola Winery, which produces seven wine brands including the Diamond Collection. Since its inception in 1997, Claret has been the flagship wine of the Diamond Collection. It is distinguished with gold netting, a tribute to the way Europe’s finest wines were once presented. Today, Francis Ford Coppola Winery features a wine tasting bar, two restaurants, swimming pools, a movie gallery, a performing arts pavilion and a park area with game tables and bocce courts.

“The 2010 growing season experienced chilly spring temperatures, and a mild summer. Waiting for that late, warm fall to arrive pushed harvest out weeks later than normal. But having the extra hangtime, allowed the fruit to develop beautifully concentrated flavors, and become a very layered, textural wine with dark, rich fruit impressions, supple tannins and distinct spice nuances that enhance the oak barrel character.” –Corey Beck, Winemaker

2010 Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret (California): 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Deep red in color. Aromatic with blackberries, vanilla, and spice on both the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with smooth tannins and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Winery, $17; Available elsewhere, $10 to $19


Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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