This week’s wine review takes us back to a bottle we picked up at last year’s Uncork Spring event. As we’ve continued working on our tasting skills, we’ve been spending more time trying to identify the aromas, flavors, and characteristics that make each wine unique. That approach made this week’s selection especially interesting.
We opened a bottle of One Nation 21 Joe from Villari Vineyards, a fortified dessert-style wine that combines a red wine blend, Italian coffee beans, and brandy.
It’s not something you come across every day, so we were curious to see what it had to offer.
In the Glass
The wine pours a very dark ruby color and appears quite full-bodied. Even before taking a sip, it looks rich and concentrated in the glass.
A quick swirl revealed slow-moving legs, another sign that this would be a fuller, sweeter style of wine.
On the Nose
The aromas were led by dark fruit notes, with hints of blackberry and black cherry standing out the most.
As the wine opened up, subtle coffee aromas became noticeable. There were also earthy notes and a touch of smoke in the background that added some complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
The coffee influence was present, but fairly restrained on the nose.
On the Palate
The first sip brought many of those aromas into focus.
Dark cherry flavors led the way, supported by the wine’s rich texture and sweetness. The coffee character was much more noticeable on the palate than it was on the nose, providing a warm roasted note that worked well with the fruit flavors.
The wine starts with a bit of acidity before quickly smoothing out. The sweetness from the brandy fortification becomes apparent mid-palate and carries through the finish.
At 21% alcohol, this is definitely a wine that’s meant to be enjoyed slowly. The higher alcohol level contributes warmth without feeling harsh, and the overall profile remains smooth and approachable.
This isn’t a wine that calls for quick sipping. Instead, it’s the kind of bottle you pour into a smaller glass and enjoy over the course of an evening.
The Breakdown
Wine: One Nation 21 Joe
Producer: Villari Vineyards
Style: Fortified Dessert Wine
Varietals: Red Blend (possibly including Chambourcin)
Vintage: Unknown
ABV: 21%
Tasting Notes
- Body: Full
- Sweetness: Sweet
- Acidity: Low
- Main Flavors: Dark Cherry, Coffee
- Additional Notes: Earthiness, Smoke
- Finish: Smooth and Warming
Pairing Suggestions
According to Villari Vineyards, One Nation 21 Joe pairs well with chocolate desserts and tiramisu.
After tasting it, those recommendations make sense. The coffee and dark fruit flavors would complement chocolate-based desserts particularly well. It would also work nicely as an after-dinner sip on its own.
Final Thoughts
One Nation 21 Joe offers an interesting combination of dark fruit, coffee, and brandy flavors in a dessert-style wine. The coffee notes add something a little different without taking over the experience, while the brandy contributes sweetness and warmth.
If you enjoy sweeter wines, port-style wines, or coffee-flavored desserts, this bottle is worth seeking out. It’s a wine that encourages you to slow down, take your time, and enjoy the flavors as they develop in the glass.
To learn more about this wine and the rest of Villari Vineyards’ portfolio, visit their website.
Have you tried One Nation 21 Joe or any other wines from Villari Vineyards? Let me know in the comments. And if you enjoy discovering local wines, wineries, and tasting experiences, be sure to subscribe to Stevie’s Local Sips so you don’t miss future Weekly Wine Reviews.
This version is much closer to the calm, approachable tone you’ve been using on Stevie’s Local Sips, with less hype and more focus on the actual tasting experience.
