Winemaker Notes
Deep red hue. Aromas of blackberry jam, oak spice, bacon, boysenberry, plum, cassis, and cocoa unite in this bold red blend. Upon taste, these elements persist and segue towards lush tannins and modest acidity. This wine finishes with freshness and abundance.
Blend: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, 11% Malbec
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
This Bordeaux-style blend is more serious than the name suggests, offering concentrated black fruit, hefty tannins and a full body. Aged more than four years in 20% new French oak, the wine consists of 56% cabernet sauvignon, 12% cabernet franc, 11% petit verdot, 11% malbec and 10% merlot. Sustainable. Drink now or hold.
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.
The largest and perhaps most varied of California’s wine-growing regions, the Central Coast produces a good majority of the state's wine. This vast California wine district stretches from San Francisco all the way to Santa Barbara along the coast, and reaches inland nearly all the way to the Central Valley.
Encompassing an extremely diverse array of climates, soil types and wine styles, it contains many smaller sub-AVAs, including San Francisco Bay, Monterey, the Santa Cruz Mountains, Paso Robles, Edna Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley.
While the Central Coast California wine region could probably support almost any major grape varietiy, it is famous for a few Central Coast reds and whites. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are among the major ones. The Central Coast is home to many of the state's small, artisanal wineries crafting unique, high-quality wines, as well as larger producers also making exceptional wines.