Winemaker Notes
Blend: Syrah 65%, Cabernet Franc 35%
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2010 Wavelength Proprietary Red is an intriguing blend of 65% Syrah and 35% Cabernet Franc. Its saturated purple color is followed by aromas of flowers, blueberries, blackberries, forest floor and spice. The wine hits the mouth with medium to full body, glorious fruit, sensational purity, wonderful texture and length, and a finish that lasts 40-45 seconds. Usually blending Cabernet Franc and Syrah together would not be a high priority on most winemaker’s agenda, but Maltus marches to the beat of a different drummer and clearly has something special on his hands. This is a brilliant Syrah that should evolve for at least a decade.
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Wine Enthusiast
Rich and hearty, it’s an unusual Napa Valley blend of 65% Syrah and 35% Cabernet Franc, fruity in bright red raspberry and dark plum. High-toned amidst its luxurious mouthfeel, it’s well-developed with plenty of structure and mellowed tannins. The herbal element is underplayed, with the tobacco more prominent.
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.