Simple Theory Reds - Action and Reaction - Satisfaction! Fantastic!

I was at the Maryland Governor's Cup wine tasting in Frederick, Maryland in March of this year and was lucky enough to taste sever new offerings from Simple Theory wines, which are some of my favorite new wines coming out of the state. And from good folks. These two red-blend wines - Action and Reaction - were among my favorites of the show. And they mimic the most classic Bordeaux-styles - Right Bank Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon heavy) versus Left Bank Bordeaux (Merlot dominant blends). Both are exceptional, and absolutely achieve their goals.  

Simple Theory Wine Co is made by cousins Melissa Aellen and Parker Aellen. They are third-generation vintners hailing from the family behind Linganore Winecellars. Operating out of Frederick, Maryland, they craft small-lot, sustainable European-styled wines. The Aellen family has been growing and crafting wines for more than 50 years, with the legacy that began in 1972. Melissa Aellen, the director of winery operations, also serves as the president of the Maryland Wineries Association, while Parker Aellen handles vineyard management. 

Simple Theory Action 2022 is medium-to-heavy bodied, dry red wine blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot, grown in the rolling hills of the Linganore AVA. The nose up front in a bold statement of dark red fruit - dark cherries, red raspberries, plum, prune, and black currant. The palate explodes with the same fruit, but has touches of cocoa and mocha, a touch of tobacco, and lovely notes of vanilla, spice, and slate. The tannins are a combination of Black Orange Pekoe tea and a mélange of freshly ground pepper. These are not harsh, but kept in balance. The finish is all fruit with red cherry and black berry coming through. Soft and wonderful. This wine shows complexity and intense richness. Fabulous!

Simple Theory Reaction 2022 is a Merlot dominant right bank blend red wine. 55% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 18% Petit Verdot, all grown in the Linganore AVA. This is a smooth, easy drinking medium-to-full-bodied red wine. The nose and palate start off with red fruit - red cherries, red raspberries, red currants, as well as plum and black berry. On the palate there's notes of vanilla, dark chocolate, and spice. A whiff of toast and fig jam. A nice, friendly chewiness. This wine has lovely tannins, with notes of Irish Breakfast tea and white pepper. The red cherries and red raspberries linger a long time here, and make this wine absolutely gorgeous to drink. Exceptional!

Action and Reaction should both be around for a very long time... but drink them now and find satisfaction! Both are fantastic!

Congrats to Melissa and Parker!