Cryptic Red Blend 2012
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Wilfred
Wong
Product Details
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Winemaker Notes
Its subtle toasty notes and ripe fruit flavors will be enhanced when paired with roasted or grilled meats, hearty pasta dishes or wood-fire oven pizzas.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Complex, yet simple—does the 2012 Cryptic Red sound like an oxymoron? This red wine exhibits a potpourri of aromas and flavors—sweet berries, toasty wood, and candied fruit—yet the wine drinks so easily. Its smooth finish pairs it swimmingly with grilled meats. (Tasted: June 16, 2017, San Francisco, CA USA)
The alchemic blend is comprised primarily of Zinfandel, followed by Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Barbera and Merlot to add red fruit character and a lush mouth-feel. As for encryption, the process of encoding messages or information that only authorized parties can understand, well that’s a little like winemaking.
The Winemaker, Antonio Trevino, puts much time and energy into each blend and he wants to keep his recipe secret. His desire to keep his blend under wraps ultimately became the inspiration for the Cryptic wheel, a reproduction of a 16th century French encryption machine.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!