Winemaker Notes
This wine envelopes you with bright red summer fruits then evolves into dark notes of cherries, vanilla, allspice and cloves. It is rich while having a structured mid-palate and long finish of finely polished tannins.
Blend: 58% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Phoenix has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and springs from the glass with vivacious black cherries, black raspberries and plum preserves notes plus wafts of red currants, garrigue, menthol, pencil shavings and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lovely freshness and soft tannins supporting the red and black fruit layers, finishing with a minty kick.
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.