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2020 Best Barrels Petit Verdot

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 17:02:24 GMT

2020 Best Barrels Petit Verdot
Buy Now: $70.00

Vineyard

100% Blue Rock Estate Vineyard

Winemaker'sTasting Notes

The warm and dry vintage of 2020 made ripeness a certainty. Our 2020 Petit Verdot was captured earlier than a typical vintage resulting in a robust wine with impressive tannins, fruit and yet at a lower alcohol. Selecting Best Barrels was no easy feat as the intensity of the fruit and tannins married well with many of our new French Oak barrels.

This 2020 offering is a shining example of the color, structure and unique flavor profile that Petit Verdot can present. Densely fruited on the aroma with notes of violets and cherry liqueur paired with flavors of blackberry, graphite, sage, cedar and mocha make this a striking wine. The tannins are tightly wound and youthful now and will resolve and age gracefully for well over a decade. While impressively dark in color, it's moreof a deep purple than inky black.

An altogether fascinating and seductive wine whenyou are looking for an alternative to Cabernet.

Food Affinities

Petit Verdot simply begs forfoods with both weight and a bit of fat. Red meats, heavy cheeses, Barbecue,wild game, and rich stews all come to mind. Winter comfort food and PetitVerdot is the perfect combo!

Ageability

By late 2024, this Petit Verdotshould be ready to venture out and join you at your table. If you like to setwines aside and watch them evolve, this is an outstanding candidate and shouldbe all the more impressive with another 5-15 years in the cellar.

Technical Data

98% Petit Verdot

2% Cabernet Sauvignon

77% New FrenchOak

24 Months inBarrel

13.9% Alc.

Cases Produced: 98

Bottled: January 2023

Released: May 2024

Blue Rock Best Barrels from Kenneth Kahn on Vimeo.

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2019 Best Barrels Merlot

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 01:42:46 GMT

2019 Best Barrels Merlot
Buy Now: $75.00

Vineyards

Our 2019 Best Barrels Merlot is comprised of 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from the best blocks at our Blue Rock Estate Vineyard in Alexander Valley.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

A pristine and deep ruby color, this Merlot is serious and noble, demanding a seat at the table alongside its more famous Cabernet brethren. 2019 produced wines of wonderful complexity and charm and this Merlot is no exception.

Brooding aromas of graphite, cassis, boysenberry and plum, fennel, cocoa, vanilla, cedar and tobacco leaf all work together to grab your attention. One sip and you instantly realize this is one to watch for years as it reveals all its layers. Loaded with ripe, structured bright berry and cherry flavors, the impressive fruit is enhanced by suggestions of black licorice, coffee bean, mocha and black tea, leading to firm yet rounded tannins that will support a long and glorious evolution in the cellar for years to come. While delicious and enjoyable now if decanted for a few hours, we suggest giving this full-bodied Merlot until Thanksgiving of 2024 to begin working through your prized stash.

Food Affinities

A wine or depth and structure, this Merlot is best paired with beef or rack of lamb, cassoulet, and game meats like venison and bison. Duck and Wild mushrooms, short ribs and chimichurri sauce, roast veal, or fillet mignon with peppercorn and red wine sauce would all be ideal companions as well.

Ageability

All the 2019 wines will age wonderfully for years to come. Unlike many earlier drinking Merlot, this beauty begs for another 2 years in your cellar before its official debut at the holiday table. Prime drinking from late 2024 through 2030. Graceful evolution through 2038 or longer.

Technical Data

85% Merlot

15% Cabernet Sauvignon

25% new French oak, 22 months in oak

14.6% Alc.

Cases Produced: 611

Bottled: March 2022

Released: Jan 2023

Blue Rock Best Barrels from Kenneth Kahn on Vimeo.

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2019 Best Barrels Petit Verdot

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:23:33 GMT

2019 Best Barrels Petit Verdot
Buy Now: $80.00

Vineyard

100% Blue Rock Estate Vineyard

Winemaker'sTasting Notes

Petit Verdot is renowned in France for its dark color, powerfultannins and delicate floral aromas, making it a wonderful blending component inthe prized blends of Bordeaux. Here in Alexander Valley, we get all of thoseattributes with a California twist, allowing us to bottle the very best barrelsas an exceptional stand-alone wine. While impressively dark in color, it's moreof a deep purple than inky black. Rich scents of plum, vanilla, violets,molasses and black licorice foretell the concentrated, compelling wine thatfollows. Flavors of dark plum, black cherries and a wonderful sage and driedherb mix round out the palate, all cradled in surprisingly supple tannins,great structure and depth. An altogether fascinating and seductive wine whenyou are looking for an alternative to Cabernet.

Food Affinities

Ageability

By late 2022, this Petit Verdotshould be ready to venture out and join you at your table. If you like to setwines aside and watch them evolve, this is an outstanding candidate and shouldbe all the more impressive with another 5-15 years in the cellar.

Technical Data

98% Petit Verdot

2% Cabernet Sauvignon

77% New FrenchOak

23 Months inBarrel

14.6% Alc.

Cases Produced: 192

Bottled: December 2021

Blue Rock Best Barrels from Kenneth Kahn on Vimeo.

Visit Library Wines to see additional products in this category.

2019 Estate Cabernet

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 10:45:38 GMT

2019 Estate Cabernet
Buy Now: $75.00

Accolade(s)

92 Points - JamesSuckling.com

"A distinct, fresh herbal note carries throughout the nose of blackberry, black peppercorn, earl gray and redcurrant. Full-bodied with taught tannins and succulent fruit. Slightly saline mineral character keeps the palate lifted and exciting through the finish. Well balanced with good depth. Best after 2024."

Vineyards

Our 2019 Estate Cabernet features four distinct blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Petit Verdot for added interest and intensity. The final ensemble is a stellar example of Alexander Valley Cabernet at its finest.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

2019's growing season started later than usual for us at Blue Rock. A cool spring and growing season allowed a longer hang time. The wine has a pristine dark red and deep purple tint. The aromas celebrate the dark side of Cabernet as well, featuring ripe black plum, black currant and black cherry heightened by an intriguing note of graphite and subtle touches of black pepper and vanilla. All these elements come to a beautiful crescendo on the palate in perfect harmony and balance, with fine tannins, beautiful acidity and a dash of warm baking spices on the long and satisfying finish.

Food Affinities

This one is a slam dunk for all your red meat favorites - filets, short ribs, T-bones - grilled or broiled, with salt, pepper and olive oil, or topped with herbed red wine reduction sauces. Aged cheddar and most other hard cheeses will play along nicely as well. The balance on this wine makes it an easy pairing with all of your fall and winter favorites.

Ageability

Surprisingly approachable already, this Cabernet will nonetheless age effortlessly for another 10-15 years or longer when properly cellared.

Technical Data

91% Cabernet Sauvignon

09% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.6%

Produced: 1694 cases
Bottled: December 2021

Released: July 2022

Tasting 2005 Estate Cab. Sav. Revised from Kenneth Kahn on Vimeo.

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2019 Best Barrels Right Bank Blend

Fri, 27 May 2022 10:06:28 GMT

2019 Best Barrels Right Bank Blend
Buy Now: $135.00

Vineyards

Our 2019 Best Barrels Right BankBlend is comprised of 50% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, barrel selected from micro-lots destined for this special cuvee.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

Always a favorite for our winemakers to craft, it's also a favorite of all of us to drink. Medium to deep ruby in color and absolutely captivating on the nose, scents of blue, red and black fruits all intertwine over a backdrop of crushed rock, fire-roasted red peppers, and a medley of dried herbs. In the mouth, smooth and harmonious fruit flavors lovingly envelop your tongue. Perhaps most satisfying of all, from one vintage to the next, is the silky mouthfeel achieved through days of blending trials in the cellar. A crowning achievement of aroma, flavor and palate presence, we are especially enamored of the 2019 Right Bank Blend. We are delighted to say that we eked out a few more cases this year too. Still only a modest 195 cases in all, which won't last long, but more to share with you than in years past!

Food Affinities

Your choices here are many. Red meat, game, fowl, mushrooms, in any configuration, with herbs, red wine reduction sauces and aged dry cheeses. For such a special wine, the key is to pick your favorite dish anywhere in this family and prepare it with love. Not as tannic as Cabernet or Petit Verdot, there is no need to overdo the fats on the table to achieve harmony; we have endeavored to present that in the glass right from the start!

Ageability

Alluring and oh so hard to resist already, we would still recommend decanting for an hour to enjoy right now. Otherwise wait until Thanksgiving of 2023 to bring these out from your cellar. We fully expect this wine to age effortlessly for 20+ years, but there is absolutely no reason to wait that long!

Technical Data

50% Cabernet Franc

26% Merlot

24% Cabernet Sauvignon

35% New French Oak

22 Months in Barrel

14.8% Alc

Cases Produced: 195

Bottled: December 2021

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2019 Best Barrels Cabernet Franc

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 12:14:31 GMT

2019 Best Barrels Cabernet Franc
Buy Now: $75.00

Review(s)

- 93 Points: International Wine Review

Vineyards

Our 2019 Best Barrels Cabernet Franc is comprised of 96% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, all from select blocks at our Blue Rock Estate Vineyard in Alexander Valley.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

Cabernet Franc is the genetic parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, so it's no surprise that it shows characteristics of it. That said, it's also unmistakably itself, telling a tale only it can tell. Deep ruby in color, the aromas of dark cherry, bramble, pencil shavings and crushed gravel proudly announce that Cabernet Franc is in your glass. On the palate, red fruit flavors broaden to include bright currant, fresh strawberry and more cherry, seductively enhanced by signature dried herbs, cracked pepper and a rustic savory blend, all belied by a smooth body and beautifully integrated tannins. A stellar example of the grape and a standout in any lineup. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Food Affinities

Cabernet Franc's savory side invites gamey meats such as lamb, rabbit, duck and venison. Good acidity also makes it an appealing choice to pair with something like a baked tomato and goat cheese tarte. Incorporate fresh herbs and spices in your dishes and you can't go wrong. Olives, peppers, mushrooms, meatballs, beef stew, feta, lentils, even quiche.

Ageability

Decant for a couple of hours to enjoy now or cellar this beauty for up to 20 years. Prime drinking will likely begin in late 2023.

Technical Data

96% Cabernet Franc

04% Cabernet Sauvignon

19% New French Oak

22 Months in Barrel

15.1% Alc

Cases Produced: 570

Bottled: Dec. 2021

Blue Rock Best Barrels from Kenneth Kahn on Vimeo.

Visit Library Wines to see additional products in this category.

2018 Best Barrels Right Bank Blend

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 17:43:34 GMT

2018 Best Barrels Right Bank Blend
Buy Now: $140.00

Vineyards

Our 2018 Best Barrels Right BankBlend is comprised of 50% Cabernet Franc, 34% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, barrel selected from micro-lots destined for this special cuvee.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

Always a favorite for our winemakers to craft, it's also a favorite of all of us to drink. Medium to deep ruby in color and absolutely captivating on the nose, scents of blue, red and black fruits all intertwine over a backdrop of crushed rock, fire-roasted red peppers, and a medley of dried herbs. In the mouth, smooth and harmonious fruit flavors lovingly envelop your tongue. Perhaps most satisfying of all, from one vintage to the next, is the silky mouthfeel achieved through days of blending trials in the cellar. A crowning achievement of aroma, flavor and palate presence, we are especially enamored of the 2018 Right Bank Blend. We are delighted to say that we eked out a few more cases this year too. Still only a modest 145 cases in all, which won't last long, but more to share with you than in years past!

Food Affinities

Ageability

Alluring and oh so hard to resist already, we would still recommend decanting for an hour to enjoy right now. Otherwise wait until Thanksgiving of 2022 to bring these out from your cellar. We fully expect this wine to age effortlessly for 20+ years, but there is absolutely no reason to wait that long!

Technical Data

50% Cabernet Franc

34% Merlot

06% Cabernet Sauvignon

17% New French Oak

22 Months in Barrel

14.8% Alc

Cases Produced: 145

Bottles: July 2020

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2018 Best Barrels Petit Verdot

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 17:40:50 GMT

2018 Best Barrels Petit Verdot
Buy Now: $85.00

Vineyard

Our 2018 Best Barrels Petit Verdot is comprised of 98% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot, all from select blocks at our Blue Rock Estate Vineyard in Alexander Valley.

Winemaker'sTasting Notes

Petit Verdot tends to produce small, flavor- and color-packed berries, with plenty of structure and tannin, making it a tremedous ingredient to have in a winemaker's spice cabinet when putting toegther final blends. Not oftern showcased on its own in the old world, California offers us a chance to share it with you in all its unique splendor. A deep purple hue prepares you for the rich aroma of blueberry, black plum, violets, sage and lavender. Distinctive for its herbal and floral perfume, powerful flavors of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate and black licorice unfold on the palate. This is a big boy in our portfolio and will handsomely reward a bit of patience in the cellar. Only 75 cases and not to be missed!

Food Affinities

Everything lamb is a great place to start - kabobs, chops and stew, just be sure to include all the good herbs and spices. Interestingly enough, a global collection of flavors is welcome here, from sage, rosemary and mint to turmeric, anise, and cumin. Paprika, Ancho chile and Adobo all work well. If you are looking for vegetarian, aged dry cheeses like cheddar, Manchego and gouda are nice complements and for main dishes, wild rice with walnuts, dried fruits, lentils and wild mushrooms would be a fantastic combo.

Ageability

While still in its youth, we expect this Petit Verdot will nonetheless be ready to offer maximum pleasure in about another 2-3 years. Prime drinking from 2024 -2030, with the potential to age far longer...if any of us care to wait!

Technical Data

98% Petit Verdot

01% Cabernet Sauvignon

01% Merlot

65% New FrenchOak

22 Months inBarrel

15% Alc.

Cases Produced: 75

Bottled: July 2020

Blue Rock Best Barrels from Kenneth Kahn on Vimeo.

Visit Library Wines to see additional products in this category.

2018 Best Barrels Malbec

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 17:34:27 GMT

2018 Best Barrels Malbec
Buy Now: $95.00

Vineyard

Our 2018 Best Barrels Malbec is comprised of 89% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot, all from select blocks at our Blue Rock Estate Vineyard in Alexander Valley.

Winemaker'sTasting Notes

Rich and darker in color than you might expect from Malbec, a beautiful perfume of black cherry and pomegranate, creamy milk chocolate and a hint of meaty rusticity that Malbec lovers so appreciate are complemented by notes of roasted coffee and sweet pipe tobacco. The wine tastes exactly like it smells, with flavors to match all those aromas perfectly. Silky smooth, with wonderful balance and mouthfeel. While a recognized companion to the other Bordeaux varietals, Malbec tells a story all its own and this is a wonderful rendition to savor when you need something special. We have been enamored of this wine since fermentation began and could not be happier with the final blend. If only we had more of it!

Food Affinities

Smoky and spice-rubbed red meats are a natural match with Malbec. Grilled lamb chops or a nice sirloin come to mind. Vegetarian options include blue cheese souffle and farro-stuffed roasted red pepper with olive oil.

Ageability

Of all our 2018 Bordeaux reds, the Malbec may be ready to drink sooner than the rest. You can readily enjoy this right now with about an hour of decanting and count on it to age well for another decade or longer in your cellar.

Technical Data

89% Malbec

09% Cabernet Sauvignon

02% Petit Verdot

45% New FrenchOak

22 Months inBarrel

14.6% Alc.

Cases Produced: 56

Bottled: July 2020

Blue Rock Best Barrels from Kenneth Kahn on Vimeo.

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2018 Best Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 17:28:09 GMT

2018 Best Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon
Buy Now: $130.00

Accolades

95 Points - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points - WineEnthusiast (December 2022 Issue)

Vineyards

Our 2018 Best Barrels Cabernet Sauvignonis comprised of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon providing ample heft, backbone and character, while judicious additions of 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec add subtlety, layering and marvelous complexity.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

A dark and nearly opaque ruby hue suggests that King Cab has arrived, immediately confirmed by a powerful and fragrant perfume soaring from the glass. Aroma alone conveys something undeniable about the body and texture of this Cabernet. Notes of rich black currant, blackberry, fresh cracked peppercorns, cedar, warm spices and hints of leather and tobacco all tease the mouthcoating experience that awaits you. Bold flavors of blackberry pick up on the aromas, joined by creme de cassis and ripe boysenberry, made even more enticing with hints of truffle, thyme, tobacco and earth. Concentrated and deep, with ripe tannins and zesty acidity to keep it all fresh from start to finish. Unabashedly youthful right now, it nevertheless feels completely at home at the table already if you are in that kind of mood. Be that as it may, this king will cellar like the champion it is for decades.

Food Affinities

Begging for dishes rich enough to complement its own impressive stature - from the perfect filet mignon to wild mushroom risotto to robust cheese - all the classic Cabernet pairings will work beautifully here.

Ageability

If you choose to open one sooner rather than later, we recommend decanting for a couple of hours to maximize early enjoyment. This 2018Best Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon will age gracefully under proper cellar conditions for another 15-20 years.

Technical Data

94% Cabernet Sauvignon

02% Cabernet Franc

02% Petit Verdot

02% Malbec

50% New French Oak

22 Months in Barrel

14.8% Alc

Cases Produced: 546

Bottled: August 2020

Blue Rock Best Barrels from Kenneth Kahn on Vimeo.

Visit Library Wines to see additional products in this category.