Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Phoenix is composed of 68% Merlot and 32% Cabernet Franc from a collection of four separate vineyards on the ranch. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals an incredible perfume of kirsch, black plums, red currant jelly and red roses with touches of black tea, pencil shavings, cinnamon stick and underbrush plus wafts of black raspberries and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with tons of juicy plums and raspberry inspired flavors with bags of savory and mineral nuances plus a firm, rounded tannins frame, finishing long and earthy. 413 cases were made.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The buzz that Carneros is the place for Merlot continues to be the story. The 2016 Phenix is the winery's answer to the Right Bank of Bordeaux. TASTING NOTES: This wine is vivid and bright. Enjoy its aromas and flavors of red currants and chalky notes with a dry-rubbed roast chicken. (Tasted: April 29, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.