Winemaker Notes
Gravity Red Blend is named for a remote, hard-to-reach block on one of the lowest slopes of the Monte Rosso Vineyard. Its location on the edge of a canyon yields grapes with exceptional intensity. Decadent dark fruit notes of plum and black raspberry are balanced with a plethora of supporting players – hints of cinnamon, cedar, graphite and pepper add dimension and complexity to this strikingly rich red blend.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is very characteristic with iodine, oyster-shell and very intense dried-blueberry notes. Medium to full body, ripe tannins, loads of fresh fruit and a fun, fruity finish. Drink now.
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Wine Enthusiast
This dark and brooding wine has an inky color, rich aromas of blueberry and blackberry jam, and an intense, layered texture of fine-grained tannins that envelope ripe dark-fruit flavors. It is full bodied, bold and flavorful. Best through 2023
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!