Winemaker Notes
Violet ink in the glass, a nose of black plums, cassis, and cacao engage. The robust entry consists of a progressing palate of blackberry and boysenberry compote, a reduction of dark plum and ripe figs, and pure Amarena cherry. Flashes of vanilla and traces of minerality evolve into chalky tannins and a smooth lingering finish.
About the Label
This rich and expressive Red Wine features 12 different labels in the series. The challenge was developing a label that would match the boldness and complexity of the wine in the bottle.
*Receive one of twelve possible labels.
*Specific labels cannot be requested.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Potent, plump and heady dried berry, violet and sandalwood accents power toward broad-shouldered tannins. Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache. Drink now through 2024.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Malbec and aged for ten months in 40% new French oak, the deep purple-black colored 2016 Proprietary Red Machete sings of crushed black raspberries and warm blackberries with hints of bay leaves, tilled soil and garrigue. Full-bodied, firm and grainy, it has a lively line and tons of evocative black fruit and sautéed herbs layers, finishing long and earthy.
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!