Solar Fortun "Baya Baya" Valle de Guadalupe Red Blend 2022

Vin Chicago: 88 Points

(2/2025) This Mexican red blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot tastes very novel - NOT what you're expecting from these two grapes. An artisinal 900 case production, aged 6 months in French oak barrique, it pops with some initial funk of brettanomyces, a melange of tart red currant, olive and savory, earthy tones abound. Blind, many will guess a "country" French or Italian wine. What is truly fascinating and singular about this red above every other wine we've tasted is the SALTY, umami attack on the palate. Salinity gets used in describing many wines - this really delivers on that in a fascinating way.