Byron Blatty LA County Tannat 2022 Review

Takeaway

A bold, dark-fruited red from Los Angeles County that surprises with both structure and approachability. Perfect for anyone curious about serious wine made outside Napa

First Thought

This week’s bottle came from our guest host Adam Wolf, who works at Byron Blatty Wines in LA and knows the producer personally. He wanted to show us what Los Angeles County wine can do, especially with a grape you do not often see here: Tannat. Expectations? A big, tannic bruiser. The kind of wine that makes you wish you had a ribeye handy. Adam hinted it had more finesse than we might think, so we were ready to find out.

Tasting NOtes

Right from the pour, the color was nearly opaque, hinting at the depth inside. The nose opened with blackberry, black plum, and a touch of blueberry, followed by a subtle herbal edge. There was a whisper of cocoa and a fresh earth note that kept it from feeling heavy. On the palate, the dark fruit stayed rich but was balanced by a fresh, mouthwatering lift. The tannins had that tea-like grip you expect from Tannat, but they felt polished rather than punishing. The finish was long, with lingering fruit and just a touch of spice. As it opened in the glass, the fruit became even more generous and the texture smoother.

Quick Tasting Notes

• Blackberry
• Black plum
• Blueberry
• Herbal edge
• Cocoa
• Fresh earth

Highlights

Why It’s Special
Tannat is more common in Uruguay and southwest France, so finding one sourced entirely from Los Angeles County is rare. This wine proves the region can deliver power and elegance in the same glass.

When to Pour It
Cooler evenings, backyard dinners with grilled meats, or whenever you want to surprise wine friends with something they have probably never tried.

Food Match
Think rich and bold. Braised short ribs, grilled lamb, or even a smoky barbecue plate would lock in perfectly with this Tannat’s intensity.

Final Verdict

This Blatty 2022 Tannat is a confident, character-driven wine that makes a strong case for LA County reds. Aaron admired its balance and depth, Joel loved how it mellowed with air, Colin appreciated the polished structure, and Adam beamed with hometown pride. Best suited for adventurous drinkers who want something bold without rough edges. Open it with a meal and give it time to breathe,  it will reward your patience.

• Colin: A Must Share. He expected an intense style but found the structure and balance so enjoyable that he wants to show it as a strong example of what Tannat can be.
• Joel: A Must Share. He was super impressed by how nothing abrasive stuck out and how the wine kept revealing more as it breathed.
• Aaron: A Must Share. He praises the balance and how it drinks easier than the alcohol number suggests.
• Adam: Wine Fridge Wine. He says a sixty dollar bottle should be structurally sound and this one nails it. As far as the show goes, his wine fridge is empty, so that is where he puts it.

Three Must Share votes and one Wine Fridge pick. Big, balanced, and worth the attention for Los Angeles wine.

And as always Stop Wasting Your Wine!