2022 Rendezvous

Appearance:

• Color: Deep purple with ruby edges, indicating concentration and depth. The Malbec and Petit Verdot contribute to the wine’s intensity of color.

Aroma (Nose):

• Fruit: A rich, inviting nose with a mix of ripe blackberries, plum, and blueberry from the Malbec and Merlot, alongside brighter red fruit like raspberry and cherry from the Cabernet Franc.
• Floral & Herbal: Subtle violet notes (from Petit Verdot) and delicate herbal nuances like sage, thyme, and perhaps a touch of tobacco from the Cabernet Franc.
• Spice & Oak: Underlying hints of vanilla, cedar, and a light toast from oak aging, with a touch of baking spices such as cinnamon and clove.

Palate:

• Body: Medium to full-bodied, with a rounded, silky texture, primarily due to the Merlot’s softness.
• Fruit: The fruit profile showcases a harmonious blend of black plum, blueberries, and black cherry from the Malbec and Merlot, with a peppery and slightly more structured edge from the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
• Tannins: Soft, velvety tannins (from Merlot) balanced by the more robust, fine-grained tannins from Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, giving the wine structure without overwhelming the palate.
• Acidity: Moderate acidity, offering freshness and balance to the richness of the fruit.
• Oak Influence: Integrated oak flavors of vanilla, dark chocolate, and sweet spice blend seamlessly into the fruit, without overpowering the natural characteristics of the blend.

Finish:

• Length: Long, lingering finish with notes of dark berries, mocha, and a slight earthiness or graphite quality, typical of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
• The wine leaves a pleasant balance of dark fruit and subtle spice.

Aging Potential:

• This wine could be enjoyed now for its rich, juicy fruit but also has the potential to age for 5-8 years due to the structure provided by the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Food Pairing:

• Excellent with roasted lamb, grilled beef, or even earthy mushroom dishes. The wine's complexity also pairs well with rich pasta dishes, especially those with a tomato or truffle-based sauce.

This blend from San Miguel, CA, likely reflects the warm climate of the region, producing ripe, concentrated fruit with balanced acidity.