Winemaker Notes
Fragrant notes of black cherry, candied red fruits, cola, and a floral essence are immediate and prominent. An elevated level of Petit Verdot this year shows through the black fruits of Cabernet Sauvignon with flavors of cranberry and red fruit jam, which are bolstered with black cherry and subtle notes of cedar.
Blend: 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petit Verdot, 19% Malbec, 16% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Black plum, dark chocolate and cherry cordial aromas make for an elegant and smooth nose on this blend of 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petit Verdot, 19% Malbec, 16% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The palate is dense while fruity with caramel, wood and baking spice elements adding nuance.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.