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Blending grapes can provide winemakers with a broader palette of flavors and textures than single-variety bottlings. This week we've selected seven red blends from across California that show how diverse this category can be.
Some of these blends are "traditional," such as Scalon's Priority Red, a Bordeaux-style blend that's roughly equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Co-owners Jesus Espinoza and Cruz Calderon met while they were working at Caldwell, in the Coombsville AVA. They struck up a friendship and decided to launch Scalon, tapping veteran winemaker Julien Fayard to make the wine.
Vintners may also blend grapes from multiple vineyards to achieve complexity in their wines. Ridge's Zinfandel-dominated Three Valleys is a lively example, combining grapes from 10 different vineyards. Petite Sirah was added for color and structure, while Carignane and Grenache lend vibrancy and fruit to the wine.
Foxen looked to France's Southern Rhône for inspiration, blending Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from the Los Olivos District, a subappellation of the Santa Ynez Valley. Kendall-Jackson took a different approach with its Vintner's Reserve, a perky kitchen-sink blend that combines Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet with other varieties.
FOXEN Cuvée Jeanne Marie Williamson-Doré Vineyard Los Olivos District 2016
Refined and expressive, with floral raspberry, smoky butter and orange zest flavors that build tension toward polished tannins. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. 318 cases made.
SCALON Priority Red Napa Valley 2016
This shows a range of smoldering sage, tobacco and fresh humus notes, inlaid into a core of steeped black currant and blackberry fruit. Sports some slightly chewy grip through the finish, though this retains polish as well, imparting balance. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. 325 cases made.
RIDGE Three Valleys Sonoma County 2017
Lively and well-built, with expressive cherry, roasted dill and white pepper flavors that glide toward refined tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Grenache. 15,750 cases made.
BELLA GRACE Montagñaro Amador County 2016
Briary and vibrant, with easygoing red plum, sweet anise and smoked pepper flavors that finish with zesty tannins. Zinfandel and Barbera. 440 cases made.
ANCIENT PEAKS Renegade Santa Margarita Ranch 2016
A potent blend that retains a sense of polish and zest, with lively blackberry, licorice and cracked pepper flavors. Syrah, Zinfandel, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah. 12,204 cases made.
CHRONIC CELLARS Purple Paradise Paso Robles 2017
Plump and zesty, with fruit-forward cherry jam, pepper and anise flavors. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache. 25,478 cases made.
KENDALL-JACKSON Vintner's Reserve Red California 2015
A perky red blend, this contains a bit of everything but somehow still works, offering zesty cherry, cracked pepper and toasty herb flavors, with just enough structure to keep this sailing. Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. 20,419 cases made.