Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Over the past decade, the Red Hills-Lake County AVA has been built up its resumé as and an up and coming source for top Cabernet Sauvignons. The 2017 Aerena by Blackbirds is a top performer. TASTING NOTES: This wine stands on its own as a bona fide top Cabernet Sauvignon. Its aromas and flavors of ripe berry and an underlying note of oak should pair well with a perfectly grilled ribeye. (Tasted: July 8, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Located within the greater Clear Lake appellation, the Red Hills AVA is perhaps the hottest spot right now in Lake County for new Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. Recognizing the potential of its volcanic and obsidian heavy soils, many respected growers are flocking to the area. Andy Beckstoffer, a leader in escalating the quality and recognition of Napa Valley, has already invested heavily in the area.