Winemaker Notes
Rich aromas of bing cherry and boysenberry are complemented by hints of vanilla and cinnamon. On the palate, flavors of cherry and raspberry, as well as earthy notes of sandalwood, lead to a long smooth finish.
Winery Chef Chris Kennedy suggests pairing this wine with lamb & rosemary, which will highlight its earthy notes and open its berry bouquet. Also try it with sausage and peppers or pork carnitas, which are two of our other favorite pairings for this red blend.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A medium-bodied red with sweet cherries, blackberries and sweet spices on the nose. The palate has a delicious berry character with some herbal undertones. Vivid and fruit-driven with a flavorful finish. 53% malbec, 34% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot and 5% petit verdot. Drink or hold.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Red Blend Dragon's Tooth is an interesting blend of 49% Malbec, 37% Petit Verdot, and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has more blue fruits, some leafy herb, graphite, and mineral notes, medium body, good overall freshness and purity, and a lengthy finish. It displays the vibrant, pure, fresher style of the vintage while staying concentrated and balanced.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.