Winemaker Notes
This 2022 Estate Red opens with savory aromas of blueberry, blackberry, cigar box, tobacco leaf, black tea, and an underlying earthy/herbal tone. The palate is dense and complex with black cherry, vanilla, and roasted coffee bean flavors laced with supple tannins. This wine will age beautifully over the next 15 years.
Blend: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 15% Petit Verdot, 3% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A massive, full-bodied Bordeaux-style blend that manages to be quite smooth and elegant in texture, with deep, dark fruit and chocolate taking center stage. So rich and dense but polished, with notes of cocoa, blackcurrants, balsam and spearmint. Full, fine-grained tannins and a lingering finish. 57% cabernet sauvignon, 25% malbec, 15% petit verdot and 3% syrah. Sustainable.
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Wine Enthusiast
Concentrated aromas of black cherry, plum and coffee lift the nose of this blend. The palate delivers a punchy wave of raspberry acidity, supple tannin and flavors of berry compote and flowers that blossom on the finish.
Editors' Choice
Perhaps no other winery captures the casual luxury of Sonoma County better than Chalk Hill Estate. Founded nearly four decades ago, this spectacular 1300-acre property features 300 acres of vineyards, wilderness areas, winery, hospitality center, culinary garden, residence, stables, equestrian pavilion, sports fields, fishing and swimming ponds, and guest houses.
The winery's vineyards are thoughtfully woven through the native foliage and contoured to fit the intricate terrain. More than two-thirds of the Chalk Hill Estate remains uncultivated. The higher elevations offer stunning views of the Russian River Valley to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the east.
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.