2021 Aperture Red Estate
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Bordeaux Red Blend was raised in 50% new French oak for 18 months and is 44% Merlot, 27% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. The nose is highly expressive, with lots of primary fruit up front and notes of crushed mixed berries, peppercorn, violets, and mountain herbs. Full-bodied, it’s ripe and plush on the palate, with velvety tannins and notes of cocoa coming through the mid-palate and finish. It has good length, but it’s approachable now. Drink 2024-2034. Jesse Katz and winemaker Hillary Sjolund are producing some of Sonoma's best examples of Bordeaux-inspired blends today. The wines offer hedonistic pleasure across the range, offering high-octane power balanced with superb elegance, and their top reds have significant aging potential. They are continuing to offer blockbuster wines, especially their 2021 releases.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
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The 2021 Bordeaux Red Blend is the first iteration to include a significant amount of fruit from Farrow Ranch, Aperture's latest vineyard acquisition. It's a blend of 44% Merlot, 27% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 9% Cabernet Franc and was matured for 18 months in 50% new French oak. It has slowly unfurling scents of red and black currants, chocolate-covered cherries, integrated new oak spices, tobacco and tapenade. The palate is particularly elegant, balancing concentrated, nuanced flavors with a frame of velvety tannins and vibrant acidity that calls you back to the glass. 5,270 cases produced.
Black currant, black mushroom, baking spices, lavender and dried flowers. Lead pencil. Full-bodied with pretty framing and tension from the French oak and a blend of 44% merlot, 27% malbec, 10% cabernet sauvignon, 10% petit verdot, and 9% cabernet franc. Drink or hold.