Mountain Views News          Saturday, November 7, 2015

10

FOOD AND DRINK

Mountain Views-News Saturday, November 7, 2015 

BLEND YOUR WAY TO 
HEAVEN

In 1917, the first Los Angeles winery was 
established, and it is still open today. But, years before the San Antonio Winery opened its 
doors, Pasadena, Eagle Rock, and Sierra Madre were all gaining a reputation for growing quality 
grapes. Fast-forward to today, the San Antonio Winery is the largest and oldest winery in Southern 
California. The grapes/juice are now brought in from Monterey and the wine regions of Paso 
Robles. That is where our wine comes from for today’s review.

The 2013 Opaque Darkness from the San Antonio Winery is a blend of zinfandel, syrah, cabernet, 
grenache, petite sirah, and petit verdot. I have been a fan of blends for years, and this Opaque 
is in a class by itself - the mix of grapes stands out to me; other reds use more cabernet in their 
mix. You’ll appreciate the texture and smooth tannins that the syrah grape brings to this dark red 
blend. Zinfandels have always been a great companion to BBQs, and with this 50% grape I can 
highly recommend it to any back yard cooking event. The price is a bit higher than my previous 
blend recommendations, but with the popularity and customer acceptance this one is well worth 
it. Opaque Darkness is a dark, inky red wine, exhibiting 
ripe berry notes. The taste is exceptional. If you are 
looking for a bit of spice with a great first taste, then 
this blend is for you. Many reviewers will call wines like 
this “jammy” (I’ll say “blueberry pie”). You’ll find it at 
Whole Foods, Vons and at the winery in Downtown 
Los Angeles. They also have a petit verdot under the 
Opaque label same price range and it is easier to find.

Each week I will give you my Dills Score. Starting with 
a base of 50 points, I add 9 points for color, 9 points for 
aroma or “nose”, 8 points for taste, 8 points for finish, 
and 8 points for my overall impression, which adds up to my value rating of 91. Overall price: $24 
at Vons and other fine retailers.

 Email Peter at thechefknows@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter @KINGOFCUISINE check out 
my radio show on AM 830 KLAA at 6:00 PM 


TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills

thechefknows@yahoo.com


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