Winemaker Notes
Attractive deep garnet color, elegant aromas of blueberry, black currant, fresh flowers and dry herbs, the structure expresses medium body, silky tannins and a cool, refined finish.
Blend: 64% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Smoke, dark cherries, plums, plush spices, Mediterranean herbs and a touch of chocolate. Firm and caressing, with ripe, juicy fruit and structured tannins. Tightly wound finish of good length. Merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot.
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Wine Enthusiast
Octagon is multifaceted in expression...The nose and palate evokes cherry, red and black plum, violet, and dried rose petal. Clove and cinnamon marry a briny finish. The wine needs time to become cohesive. The finish is long. Hold for another five to ten years or decant upon opening.
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.
Diversity of landscape, terrain and climate make Virginia one of the most exciting American wine producing states today. Its viticultural history reaches as far back as 1607 when early settlers made the first wine from indigenous American grapes.
Thomas Jefferson imported the first French varieties to Virginia and grew the Vitis vinifera species (the European species), though not with great success.
Today, however, increased knowledge and optimal vineyard management techniques bring prosperity with a great number of diverse varieties. Virginia’s varied landscape has created seven distinct AVAs (American Viticultural Areas).
Encouraged by an enthusiastic state government, fine wine production in Virginia continues to flourish. The state achieves success with a variety of wine types and styles including sparkling wines, Bordeaux Blends, Nebbiolo, Chardonnay, Viognier and less common whites like Petit Manseng and Vermentino.