Winemaker Notes
Black ink that coats the glass and transforms it into an altered state, the 2021 Machete opens with decadent aromas of blue and black fruits, charred meat, a hint of funk and troves of minerality. The entry is more dense than expected with notes of black plum, other stone fruits and essence of game but yet tempered and balanced by candied orange peel and leveled acidity. Typical tannins for this Petite Sirah-based wine, the wine closes with voluptuous texture and intensity.
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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Decanter
A proprietary red blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Zinfandel aged 14 months in 40% new oak. Rich, meaty with power and intensity, blackberry, Chambord, with long, crisp tannins and chocolatey spices through a very powerful and drying finish. In need of a good decanting as that will release the flood gates of black fruit, herb, and brown spice aromatics and flavours. An opulent and decadent wine imbued with pleasure meant to be enjoyed now almost on its own or with equally rich and hearty dishes.
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Wine Spectator
A burly red, with an attitude that's jammed with bold flavors of blackberry, sandalwood and fruitcake spices as this builds density and tension toward big-shouldered tannins. Petite Sirah and Syrah. Drink now through 2033. 5,800 cases made.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Machete Red Blend is composed of Petite Sirah and Syrah. Initial aromas of graphite and cedar give way to blueberry liqueur, cassis, violet and iron. The full-bodied palate is ripe and concentrated with candied fruit character. It’s structured by abundant, powdery tannins and rounded acidity and has a long, flavorful finish.
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!