2019 Aperture Cellars Red Blend Alexander Valley

(95 Points  --  Wine Advocate)

The 2019 Bordeaux Red Blend is composed of 40% Malbec, 34% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, matured 18 months in barrel. Medium ruby-purple, it has a deep core of Morello cherry fruit with slowly unfolding nuances of dried thyme, damp earth and violet. The medium-bodied palate boasts resolved, chocolate-textured tannins—winemaker Jesse Katz and associate winemaker Hillary Sjolund were able to utilize the new automated pump-over system at Aperture winery. The wine's ripeness is toned down, and it offers bright acidity, finishing with latent character, suggesting this has much more to give with additional bottle time. (EB)   Review Date: 07/2022