Winemaker Notes
The 2020 Abstract pours a neon purple splash and an opaque maroon core with dark aromatics upfront. Black plum, boysenberry and hints of bing cherry and lavender invite a taste. On the palate, the aromatics turn into the sense of taste along with a touch of dark chocolate and reduced blackberry. Supple drying tannins and a slight chalky texture close the wine with a calming finish.
Blend: Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
While the exact blend of the 2020 Proprietary Red Abstract hasn't been disclosed, winemaker Dave Phinney allows that he starts with Grenache and builds on that, usually with Syrah and Petite Sirah. The wine also includes some Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. The wine offers up scents of black cherries, accented by garrigue-like herbs and spice, including a hint of lavender. It's full-bodied without being heavy, rather open-knit and easy to drink, with a long finish that's both mouthwatering and gently dusty. I wouldn't bet on cellaring it for a decade, but it's delicious now, so why wait?
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Wine Spectator
This blend offers a potpourri of hearty aromas and flavors, with black raspberry and cherry flavors accented by smoked pepper, orange peel and black olive notes that finish with medium-grained tannins. Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Tempranillo and Malbec.
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!