Winemaker Notes
Crafted from the finest sites in Napa Valley, Merlot provides the juicy, velvety core to this Bordeaux-style blend, framed by Cabernet Sauvignon’s weight and power. A dash of Cabernet Franc adds floral aromatics, while Malbec and Petit Verdot round out the palate with juicy boysenberry and radiant color. Delicious and opulent, this wine is redolent of briary strawberry jam, blackberries, sugar plums, milk chocolate and vanilla, all wrapped in a creamy smooth texture. The Altruist Awards Program honors local heroes who show concern for others, embody giving back as a way of life, and keep our communities strong.
Blend: 85% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 85% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Red Blend The Altruist offers red and black fruits, vanilla, cedary herbs, and chocolate in a round, lush, and sexy style. It's upfront and ready to go, with a satisfying, hedonistic character geared for near-term drinking.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.