2015 Fenix

Blended of 47% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Fenix sports a deep garnet-purple color and is scented of crushed red and black plums, blackberries and black cherries with hints of baking spices, underbrush and Mediterranean herbs. The taut, generous full-bodied palate offers beautiful red and black fruit layers, framed by firm, velvety tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long. Approachable now, give it another year in bottle to really shine and drink it over the next 15 years+.

All the 2015s were bottled just 5 weeks ago. Looking first at the 2015 Fenix, it’s probably the best vintage of this cuvee to date and is made from 47% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. Currants, violets, plums, earth and licorice notes all give way to a ripe, sexy, incredibly polished Merlot that has building tannin. It's tour de force that needs 3-5 years of cellaring and will keep for two decades. It’s always a fun tasting with winemaker Matt Dees and his team, and they continue to keep this estate at the top of the hierarchy in Santa Barbara County. Located in Ballard Canyon AVA, they pull only from their estate vineyard (planted on incredibly sandy soils) and make a wide range of cuvées, from a red and white Bordeaux blends, to a 100% Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and a number of terrific Rhône blends. The common thread is incredible quality.