Winemaker Notes
For this vintage, they crafted a distinct Bordeaux blend, composed of primarily Merlot and Malbec, with a delicately balancing of smaller inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The ripe red fruit characters are structured by silky seamless tannins, showcasing an elegant density to the blend.
Blend: 44% Merlot, 27% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 9% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Bordeaux Red Blend is the first iteration to include a significant amount of fruit from Farrow Ranch, Aperture's latest vineyard acquisition. It's a blend of 44% Merlot, 27% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 9% Cabernet Franc and was matured for 18 months in 50% new French oak. It has slowly unfurling scents of red and black currants, chocolate-covered cherries, integrated new oak spices, tobacco and tapenade. The palate is particularly elegant, balancing concentrated, nuanced flavors with a frame of velvety tannins and vibrant acidity that calls you back to the glass.
Rating: 95+ -
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Bordeaux Red Blend was raised in 50% new French oak for 18 months and is 44% Merlot, 27% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. The nose is highly expressive, with lots of primary fruit up front and notes of crushed mixed berries, peppercorn, violets, and mountain herbs. Full-bodied, it’s ripe and plush on the palate, with velvety tannins and notes of cocoa coming through the mid-palate and finish. It has good length.
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James Suckling
Ripe berries and cherries with some currant jam as well as a bouquet of fresh flowers. Full-bodied with lots unctuous fruit and layers of tannins that are supple and caressing. Flavorful finish. Fresh, too. For people who want flavor.
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.