Aperture 2021 “Soil Specific” Bordeaux Blend Alexander Valley

Winemaker Notes: “All of our fruit is hand harvested and brought into the winery within hours of being picked. Everything is methodically and obsessively sorted. A cold soak of 4-7 days with minimal air incorporation starts the extraction and then cool fermentations with native yeast carry out the remaining. Air and temperature are controlled throughout the 14-28 day fermentation and extended maceration is determined lot by lot when I walk the fine line of full extraction but still keep an elegant and silky texture. Wines go through malolactic fermentation in the barrel and are aged (sur-lees) for 18 months. For this vintage, we crafted a distinct Bordeaux blend, composed of 44% Merlot, 27% Malbec,  10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and  9% Cabernet Franc with a delicate balancing of smaller inclusion of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, and cabernet franc. The ripe red fruit characters are structured by silky seamless tannins, showcasing an elegant density to the blend”

Robert Parker 97 Points (2020): The Aperture Bordeaux Red Blend offers a medium to deep ruby-purple in color, it is scented of blueberries and red and black cherries with nuances of graphite, spice, and tea leaves, continuing to blossom aromatically as it spends time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is velvety and refreshing with alluring floral fruit and a long, layered finish. Restrained and easy to drink, it’s a great success in a challenging vintage

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points (2020): “The Aperture Bordeaux Red Blend spent 18 months in 45% new French oak. Pouring an opaque red, it reveals expressive aromas of menthol, gravelly earth, cedar, and kirsch that evolve in the glass. Full-bodied and fleshy, it has ripe tannins and notes of dusty earth, cassis, violets, and fresh herbs. One of the more successful Cabs from this vintage, it should be cellared for a few years and enjoyed 2025-2040.”