Winemaker Notes
A dark garnet mahogany red color. Aromatics of graham cracker, Peking duck and hoisin sauce, black cherry, roasted earth, black currant, sweet pipe tobacco, lavender, black olive, and dark chocolate notes. This wine is reminiscent of southern Rhône with its mineral aspects, wild Herbs de Provence, and lavender.
Perfect for pizza and roasted chicken.
Blend: 46% Zinfandel, 26% Syrah, 12% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 6% Petite Sirah
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
Plums, blueberries, peppery herbs, and cedary spice notes all emerge from the 2018 Smoke & Mirrors, another charming, medium to full-bodied, pure, balanced wine in the lineup. It's already impossible to resist and there’s no need to delay gratification, although I see no reason it won't evolve for at least 4-6 years.
-
Wine Enthusiast
This combines 60% Zinfandel, 28% Syrah and 6% each of Grenache and Petite Sirah into a hearty whole, the grapes given time in concrete tank and neutral French oak. Earthy and aromatic in garrigue, lavender and black licorice, it is thick and meaty, with a fruity underbelly of raspberry.
-
Wine Spectator
Bold and plump, with fresh, multilayered raspberry, licorice and fruitcake spices that fan out on a plush finish.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Smoke & Mirrors is made up of 60% Zinfandel, 28% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah and 6% Grenache, made with 40% whole cluster and aged in neutral oak and concrete. It has a medium ruby color with soft red and black fruits and notes of tar, earth and dried flowers. The full-bodied palate is firm and earthy with a spicy finish.
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!