Leviathan 2017
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Winemaker Notes
Leviathan is a red blend from legendary winemaker Andy Erickson. With Leviathan, Andy has the freedom to pursue his passion of crafting one red blend wine sourced from the best regions in California. Every year he coaxes the very best from each of the chosen varietals, regions, and vineyards to create one distinct and exceptional red blend. This is winemaking without restrictions.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah brought up in 25% new French oak, the 2017 California Red Wine sports a deep ruby/purple color as well as a rich, powerful, opulent style that certainly puts a smile on your face. Notes of currants, chocolate, spice box, and earthy, herbal notes all emerge from this sexy, seamless effort that has full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and outstanding finish. It’s a smoking value to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years.
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James Suckling
A rich, very fruity red with mocha, chocolate, plums and terracotta. Full body, round, juicy tannins and a solid, flavorful finish. A blend of syrah, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Drink or hold.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Leviathan Red Wine is thick and persistent. TASTING NOTES: This is a wine with impressive power and length. Enjoy its attractive aromas and flavors of black fruit, tar, and oak with a juicy, well-marbled grilled ribeye. (Tasted: December 23, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
Other Vintages
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Wine
Capturing decades of winemaking experience and vineyard knowledge, renowned winemaker Andy Erickson began Leviathan in 2004 with a single goal; to create a red wine each vintage free from the restraints of appellations and crafted from notable vineyards throughout California. Every year he coaxes the very best from each of the chosen varietals, regions, and vineyards to create one distinct and exceptional red blend.
Andy Erickson and Nicole Hayden, Grower Relations, utilize the whole state of California as their appellation, looking across the state to find great vineyards to make one blend each year. “We don’t see the individual appellations because we’re not thinking that way anymore. We’re looking at the entire slice of the west coast and turning the whole appellation idea on its head.”- Andy Erickson, Winemaker.
The wine reflects the nuances and terroir of each notable site and the collaboration between the grower and the winemaker. Leviathan is a powerful Red Blend, and that power is derived from hard working vines mostly found in rocky hillsides with volcanic based soils, along with the right combination of micro-climate and variety.
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!