Winemaker Notes
Henry’s Blend is an opulent, expressive, and exact demonstration of a true vintage year. This wine is rich and complex on first impression with bold, ripe red fruits. Hints of cardamom, allspice and nutmeg linger on the palate.
Blend: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This shows notes of blackberries, currants, ground spices and hints of graphite, tobacco and moist earth, following through to a medium to full body with firm but nicely ripe tannins. Smooth and juicy, with layers of fruit and a spicy finish. 35% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 13% petit verdot, 13% cabernet franc and 5% malbec. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
Nicely balanced, rounded and complete, this wine offers minty, cinnamony oak spices in the aroma, generous red and black fruit in the flavors, and a smooth polish to the texture. It's delicious now, so no need for further aging.
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.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.