Winemaker Notes
For this vintage, Aperture crafted a distinct Bordeaux blend, composed dominantly of Malbec and Merlot and delicately balanced by smaller inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The ripe fruit characters are structured by seamless tannins, showcasing an elegant density to the blend. The 2019s are expressive in their youth and are drinking beautifully with a decant now, and will only continue to reward with cellaring.
Blend: 40% Malbec, 34% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Bordeaux Red Blend is composed of 40% Malbec, 34% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, matured 18 months in barrel. Medium ruby-purple, it has a deep core of Morello cherry fruit with slowly unfolding nuances of dried thyme, damp earth and violet. The medium-bodied palate boasts resolved, chocolate-textured tannins—winemaker Jesse Katz and associate winemaker Hillary Sjolund were able to utilize the new automated pump-over system at Aperture winery. The wine's ripeness is toned down, and it offers bright acidity, finishing with latent character, suggesting this has much more to give with additional bottle time. Best After 2023
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Bordeaux Red Blend is a blend of 40% Malbec, 34% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the remainder Cabernet Franc. It offers rich aromas of black fruits, toasted vanilla, and menthol. The palate is full without being heavy and reveals notes of cocoa powder and red apple, with velvety tannin structure and length.
-
Wine Enthusiast
Superripe and superfruity, this full-bodied blend of Bordeaux grape varieties is drenched in blueberry, blackberry and dark chocolate flavors that saturate the palate and linger on the finish. Smooth, fine-grained tannins create a velvety texture.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.