Winemaker Notes
This classic Napa blend is primarily comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It's elegance and purity of flavor come from exceptional vineyards, minimal winemaking intervention, a deep understanding of the nuanced interplay of wine and oak, and countless hours of tasting.
Blend: 55% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Zinfandel
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A Bordeaux-style blend dominated by 55% cabernet franc, the wine has a pretty, floral aroma, inviting red fruit flavors and silky tannins, so it’s easy to sip even at a young age. Tastes nicely ripe, almost sweet, but not at all thick or cloying. Drink now or hold.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Arise Proprietary Red can be thought of as the second wine of the estate and is based on 55% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and the rest Zinfandel. It's a ripe, medium to full-bodied, plush, satisfying, and easygoing 2021 offering plenty of darker fruits, some spicy, chocolaty oak, and a great finish.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.