Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Disciples appears opaque with a black-purple core and a fuchsia rim alongside its slow pace in the glass. Opening aromatics abound with briar fruit, black plum, blue fruits, redwood bark and charred meats—one could spend all day in there. The palate is selfish, refusing to be anything but itself, characterized by notes of black fruits, tarragon, roast lamb, mint and sarsaparilla. Rich yet welcoming with a persistent thread of minerality throughout, the grippy tannins aren’t abrasive but appreciated as structure, giving way to the soft, slow fade.
Blend: 34% Petite Sirah, 30% Zinfandel, 26% Syrah,10% Grenache
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
...the 2021 Disciples is a full-bodied, savory-leaning wine. Scents of asphalt and black olives dominate the nose, joined by hints of menthol and blackberries, while the palate is ripe and supple, then folds in some dusty tannins on the bright, mouthwatering finish. It's a big wine (15.7% alcohol on the label), but it handles it well, masked by the concentrated fruit.
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!