As a Colorado red blend, Ensemble had its humble beginnings in 1998. Originally born as a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, but under a different name — Bookcliff Meritage — we changed it to Ensemble in 1999 and never looked back. We find it fitting to start this series of the “Wines we Like” with our Ensemble, twenty years after its first release.
Though the blend composition has changed a bit over the years as we expanded into growing new varieties, the most recent Ensemble vintages use all five Bordeaux grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
And then, during every holiday season, Bookcliff specially labels the Ensemble as “The Boulder Star” — the same great wine in a beautiful, wintry wrapping!
Many others have shared their love for Ensemble over the years, including our staff and Bookcliff Select members. Here’s just a taste of what they have to say.
From Mary Daughton, Tasting Room Staff:
Bookcliff Vineyards playfully names many of their blends with musical terms. Ensemble is my favorite!
Ensemble – a collection of instruments playing a singular melody.
Ensemble – a collection of grapes combining to produce a singular medley.
Bookcliff’s Bordeaux blend is my first choice of wines at the winery. It is an intriguing, complex, full-bodied wine with a pleasant, dark-fruit nose. As the wine passes across your palate, the fruity notes give way to firm tannins which helps the wine keep it’s qualities for a longer time – it ages well. For me it is a wine to be paired with a hearty meal or appreciated by itself for the dynamic flavors it reveals. But try it for yourself and decide!!
From Will Thompson, Winemaker:
Our 2019 Ensemble blend contains 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot. Individual varieties were aged 11 months in barrel. After barrel aging, the wine was blended and then bottled on 8/4/2021. We produced 450 cases in total.
The aromatics of the 2019 Ensemble showcase lively fruit notes of plum and cassis while showing hints of coconut and vanilla from barrel aging. The tannin is medium-plus and drying on the palate, but the strong acidity balances the body to create good structure and a full, fruit-forward Bordeaux-style blend. The oak influence is most notable on the back palate as notes of dark chocolate dominate the finish and linger until the next sip.
From Laura and Matthew Baukol, Bookcliff Select Club:
We have been members in BookCliff Vineyards’ wine club since its inception in 2008, so it’s difficult to pick a favorite BookCliff wine! Our go-to tends to be Ensemble.
We love Bordeaux blends, and John and Will do such a beautiful job with the Ensemble. It pairs well with food such as Manchego cheese, steak frites, or Shepherd’s Pie, and it’s also wonderful just on its own. When we want a wine we know we’ll enjoy, we reach for BookCliff’s Ensemble.
Awards for the Ensemble:
- 2016 – Double Gold – Colorado Governor’s Cup, San Francisco International Wine Competition
- 2013 – Double Gold/Best of Show – Colorado Governor’s Cup
- 2010 – Gold – Colorado Governor’s Cup, Double Gold – Jefferson Cup
- 2008 – Double Gold – Jefferson Cup
- 2008 – Best of the Fest – Palisade Wine Fest
