Winemaker Notes
For this vintage, Aperture crafted a distinct Bordeaux blend, composed almost equally of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot, delicately balancing with a smaller inclusion of cabernet franc. The ripe red fruit characters are structured by silky seamless tannins, showcasing an elegant density to the blend. The 2020s are expressive in their youth and are drinking beautifully with a decant now, and will only continue to reward with cellaring.
Blend: 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Malbec, 28% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Bordeaux Red Blend is composed of 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Malbec, 28% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc, matured in 45% new French oak for 18 months. Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, it is scented of blueberries and red and black cherries with nuances of graphite, spice and tea leaves, continuing to blossom aromatically as it spends time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is velvety and refreshing with alluringly floral fruit and a long, layered finish. Restrained and easy to drink, it's a great success in a challenging vintage.
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.