From the halls of Montezuma to Inchon to Fallujah, the United States Marine Corps have proved themselves to be the meanest, toughest, most resourceful warriors on the planet.
Now, a single test remains for this hallowed assemblage of fighters:
Make a rich, smooth Cabernet Sauvignon.
Fortunately, the former Marines at Firestone Vineyards are meeting the challenge, by producing "Jarhead Red."
The wine is "a robust, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. It was aged in French oak barrels for eight months. It offers flavors of plum, cassis and black currant with fine tannins on the finish," according to Firestone's website. "Jarhead Red is available in 750ml (the Rifleman) and 1.5L (the Sergeant). Occassional availability on larger formats including 3.0L (the Sergeant Major) and 5.0L (the Commandant)."
Third-generation wine grower Adam Firestone (CAPT 1984-91) and vineyard foreman Ruben Dominguez (SGT USMC 1979-84) came up with the Cabernet in "in 1999 as a celebratory bottling for the annual Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Birthday Ball in Los Angeles," Firestone explains. "Over the years, the wine gained a following by word of mouth and was enjoyed at Birthday Balls around the country. To meet this growing demand, the wine was released for distribution, with net proceeds benefiting the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation."
And, before you ask, Adam Firestone wants to be clear: "There is no affiliation between the wine and the movie 'Jarhead.'" Instead, according to a press release, He created Jarhead Red [to] fortify his loyalty to the Marine Corps and [to] extend it to his skill in winemaking."
Ooo-rah!
(Big ups: TH)
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