Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Estate Red opens with savory aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, cigar box, and black tea. The palate is dense and rich with layers of dark chocolate and spices, framed by velvety tannins.
Blend: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec, 21% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Sweet tobacco and blackcurrants with fresh flower and sandalwood aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and pretty, bright blackberry and blueberry character. Medium velvety tannins. 54% cabernet sauvignon, 23% malbec, 21% merlot and the rest petit verdot.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Inky black/purple in hue, the 2021 Estate Red is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec, 21% Petit Verdot, and the rest Syrah. The nose slowly reveals notes of tarry earth, black plum compote, and forest herbs. Full-bodied and ripe, it has a plush texture, a good, weightless feel, and a modest but solid 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.
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.