Angus Young & Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Rubric

I’m in the midst of a horrendous travel schedule and anyone who’s flown lately knows how frustrating that can be. But nothing releases stress more than some good old head banging rock and roll. So tonight I’m featuring someone whom I consider to be one of the most underrated rock guitarists of modern times. Angus McKinnon Young (born 31 March 1955) is the Scottish-born Australian lead guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of AC/DC. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with other members of AC/DC in 2003 and is known for his energetic performances, schoolboy-uniform stage outfits, and the duck walk which is a type of dance he performs onstage. Throughout his career he has exclusively played Gibson SG guitars, an axe that’s near and dear to my heart as I used to play a Gibson EB3 bass. But unlike little ole me, he has his own signature model. In contrast to many of his counterparts in the rock genre, he’s a teetotaler, which makes it a bit strange that I’m pairing him with a wine. Angus’ playing style is straight blues in both the minor and major twelve bar pentatonic scales. His rifts get your blood pumping, head nodding, and feet stomping. A great way to kick-start the weekend. Enjoy!


Thunderstruck: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSAHHd7q8BU&feature=related

Highway to Hell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXqETNw4gKU&feature=related

Rock and Roll Train: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lermqfhhJx4&feature=related

You shook me all night long: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bomv-6CJSfM&feature=related

Back in black: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h44LIiaZhHE&feature=related

Shoot to thrill: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kD8sxIjVuc&feature=related

Anything goes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHAg1-bGMhY&feature=related

Black ice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrOQNJNzD1g&feature=related

Fire your guns: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wcu5zAKm1I&feature=related

Let there be rock: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5wCaeKrTCU&feature=related

Jailbreak: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5rU1WpOe08&feature=related

Whole lot of Rosie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVa6Mz_t19Q&feature=related

With a power guitarist, I’ve got to have a power wine like the 2007 Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Rubric ($20.00). Blackstone is known for wines that are widely available and a good value, so it was interesting to try this Reserve level wine that blends Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Malbec (14%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Petit Verdot (8%), Tannat (7%), Merlot (5%), and Petite Sirah (3%). The wine was aged in oak for 20 months.

Plum, black raspberry, and violet aromas are prominent on the nose with hints of vanilla and cedar. The wine is a bit tight on opening, so I recommend letting it air for about an hour. Once it’s aired a bit, it reveals flavors of rich berries with a layer of spice that leads to a finish of dark chocolate. The tannins are firm but yielding with solid acidity. All in all, a great wine to accompany the head banging rock and roll of Angus Young. Enjoy!

Cheers!