Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc from the redder iron soils in the center of the vineyard, the 2017 Tench Vineyard EE Red Wine is another incredible wine in this lineup. Deep purple/black-colored, with mineral-drenched notes of blackcurrants, ground herbs, earth, graphite, and crushed rocks, it has an “iron fist in a velvet glove” style on the palate, loads of tannins, good acidity, and a big finish.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Proprietary Red EE Tench Vineyard (a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot) strolls out of the glass with nonchalant savory notes of beef drippings, sautéed herbs, pencil lead and tapenade with a core of warm cassis, black cherry compote and redcurrant jelly. Full-bodied, densely packed, serious and savory in the mouth, it has firm, chewy tannins and a lively, long finish.
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.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.