{Baker & Brain} “Pendulum” Monterey County 2011: At once both pleasurable and ponderous, this 60% syrah/40% grenache blend by the 1,200 case-per-year team of Josh Baker (day job: winemaker at custom crusher in Edna Valley) and Matt Brain (day job: Cal Poly enology professor) hits you like a savory, well seasoned s’more, its alluring aromas and layered flavors making you remorseful that it got guzzled so fast.
It’s a strong example of how smaller projects, like those being featured in the upcoming third annual Garagiste Fest, pair creativity with hands-on craft, for the benefit of those who enjoy wines that are thought-provoking and tasty.
See bakerandbrain.com for more on the wine, and californiagaragistes.com for tickets to the November 7-10 fest, with the main tasting event on Saturday, November 8.