2017 RESERVE RED BLEND

$125

Deep Ruby in color with concentrated layers of dark cherry, brambly berry, dried bay leaf, anise, and toasty oak, highlighted by notes of clove and black pepper.  Rich flavors of dark cassis, black cherry, bay and sweet vanilla are interwoven in this robust, full-bodied wine. Dense mountain fruit fills the palate, with hints of cedar, plum, and sage lingering on the finish.

Blend

88% Cabernet Sauvignon
6% Malbec
6% Merlot

Aromas

Dark Cherry
Brambly Berry
Dried Bay Leaf
Anise
Toasty Oak
Clove
Black Pepper

Tasting Notes

Dark Cassis
Black Cherry
Bay
Sweet Vanilla
Cedar
Plum
Sage

Our vineyards, planted on the steep hillside, roll along the tops of the ridges.

About Our Vineyards

Our three ranches on Mount Veeder bask in the clear mountain sunshine high above Napa Valley. Estate ranches range in altitude from 1,000 to 1,600 feet in elevation to provide diverse microclimates for a wide variety of growing conditions and fruit profiles. All of the key Bordeaux grapes prosper, keeping with the tradition of being the first vineyard in California planted to all five Bordeaux varieties.

Awards & Accolades

Tasting Panel
Blended with a small percentage of Malbec and Merlot, this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated red aged 20 months in small French oak barrels; the majority of the fruit, grown in mountain vineyards, was harvested before the 2017 Napa Valley fires. Concentration shows itself in a shock of spiced sandalwood and black fruit while chewy tannins form a backbone surrounded by roast beef, graphite, and persevering black-plum intensity. The sensuous mouthfeel lifts savory tones of espresso and cigar leaf, leading to a satisfying, focused finish.
Tasting Pannel, January 9, 2023
Wine Spectator
Ripe and gutsy, punchy and lively, marrying tarry-edged grip with a mix of steeped fig, blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors before the singed sage, juniper and black tea accents weave in on the finish. Cellar for maximum effect.
J.M. - Wine Spectator, August 6, 2020
Wine Advocate
The 2017 Proprietary Red Wine Reserve is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 6% Merlot. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with open-knit scents of boysenberries, warm cassis and fruitcake with touches of Indian spices, charcoal and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives mouth-coating black fruit preserves and earthy layers, framed by grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate, October 30, 202
Wine Enthusiast
A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 6% Malbec, this wine is thick, concentrated and powerful in sticky, grippy tannin. Black fruit, leather and dried herb combine across a foundation of toasted oak and baking spice that appeal in full-bodied intensity.
Virginie Boone - Wine Enthusiast, November 16, 2020