Winemaker Notes
All the brash ferocity of a Clubber Lang left hook, tempered by the gentle nuance of his post-boxing career as a pâtissier. Chef’s whites with the sleeves torn off and sideways toque blanc, hands capable of furious jab flurries, now nimbly crafting marzipan blueberry cannelés, honey-drizzled blackberry tarts, star anise garnishes, black leather vests, crumbled graham cracker, and heavy gold chains, all delicately arranged on tiny alabaster plates.
Blend: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 10% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2021 Bolt Cutter lifts from the glass with mentholated herbs, cocoa powder and dusty black currants. Velvety in texture, it washes easily across the palate, displaying an intense core of saturating red berry fruits and balsamic tones, all guided by brisk acidity. The slightest hint of white pepper adds lovely contrasts. The 2021 tapers off with crisp tannins and dramatic length. Rating: 94+
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Wine Enthusiast
Singed tobacco, woodspice, turned earth and black plum aromas are strong on the nose of this blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot and 10% Syrah. Lingering tannins on the palate wrap around espresso and dark cherry flavors.
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!