2022 Melange

Appearance:

• Color: Deep, inky purple with garnet highlights. The Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon contribute to the intense, dark hue of the wine, indicating concentration and potential aging.

Aroma (Nose):

• Fruit: Dominated by dark fruits such as blackcurrant (cassis), blackberry, and ripe plum. The Cabernet Sauvignon leads with its signature black cherry and cassis notes, while Merlot adds soft, lush blueberry and red plum aromas.
• Floral: The Petit Verdot brings a delicate violet or lavender note, adding elegance and complexity.
• Spice & Oak: Expect secondary aromas of cedar, vanilla, and a hint of leather or tobacco from oak aging, with cocoa or dark chocolate nuances.
• Herbaceousness: Subtle notes of dried herbs, like thyme or sage, along with a touch of graphite, characteristic of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

Palate:

• Body: Full-bodied with a firm yet polished structure. The Cabernet Sauvignon provides power and depth, while the Merlot softens the edges, and the Petit Verdot adds weight and tannic backbone.
• Fruit: Rich and concentrated flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry jam, with underlying layers of plum and raspberry.
• Spice: Hints of black pepper, clove, and cinnamon, enhanced by the Petit Verdot’s natural spiciness.
• Tannins: Bold, structured tannins from both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, balanced by the softer, more velvety tannins of Merlot. The tannins are well-integrated but provide a solid framework, suggesting good aging potential.
• Acidity: Moderate acidity keeps the wine balanced and bright, ensuring the fruit doesn’t overwhelm the palate and offering a pleasant freshness.
• Oak Influence: Integrated oak flavors of vanilla, cedar, and perhaps a hint of espresso or mocha, rounding out the palate with a smooth, lingering texture.

Finish:

• Length: Long and structured, with lingering notes of dark fruit, spice, and a touch of smoky oak. As the wine opens, the finish might reveal more savory elements like tobacco or graphite, typical of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

Aging Potential:

• This blend has strong aging potential (5-10 years), given the robust structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Over time, the tannins will soften, and the wine will develop more complex earthy and tertiary notes.

Food Pairing:

• This wine pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as grilled ribeye, rack of lamb, or braised short ribs. The tannins and structure also make it a great match for aged cheeses or mushroom risotto.

The Cabernet Sauvignon 50% | Petit Verdot 25% | Merlot 25% blend from San Miguel is a bold, yet elegant wine with a powerful structure, lush fruit, and a smooth, harmonious finish. The warm climate of San Miguel helps produce ripe fruit flavors, while the oak aging and tannins add depth and complexity.