Winemaker Notes
Enticing and enveloping, this mysterious apparition of ripe berry and relentless spice, returns to tantalize wine lovers. Emerging from the shadows with concentration and intensity, this wine will haunt you with every sip.
Black pepper, juniper and cranberry spark your senses, while a rustic jamminess soothes your soul with its familiarity. Full bodied flavors of black plums and berries bewitch the palate. Touches of cedar boxes and spice surround the finish, as long tannins linger, languish and settle around you like a fog.
Blend: 44% Petite Sirah, 44% Zinfandel, 10% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!