Winemaker Notes
Blend: 46% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Tightly focused and slightly taut, with red and black currant flavors that are accented by tobacco and mineral notes as this builds tension toward firm tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now through 2029. 1,630 cases made.
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.
A Sonoma sub-appellation whose boundaries cover the northeastern corner of the Russian River Valley AVA, the Chalk Hill growing area is named after its unique chalky and white, volcanic ash soils. This terrain has proven successful with white varieties, namely Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc.