NorCal
Senior Member
I’ve struggled with what to make this season. I need to tap the brakes on the volume of wine I make this year, which I’m sticking to. I just finished bottling a 2018 barrel of Cabernet Franc and a barrel of 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon that was loaded with Cab Franc, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot to the point where it was only 66% Cab Sauv.
The second one, which I call the Bordeaux Blend, is now my second favorite wine I’ve ever made. It really stands out in its nose, dark flavors and now softening tannins. So, I’ve decided to do another blend this year.
The wine I’m doing is to replicate (simulate?) the blend of a 100 point wine.
2012 Verite le Desir, 100 point wine (Robert Parker).
Le Désir—predominantly Cabernet Franc supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — shows layers of concentrated fruit, exotic spice, opulent aromatics and a plush suede texture.
Cab Franc 64%. 39 gallons
Merlo 24%. 14 gallons
Cab Sav 8%. 4.5 gallons
Petite Verdot 4%. 2.5 gallons
I’ll pre blend and age everything in a 60 gallon barrel, which will be a little tricky given that not everything will be ready at the same time, but I think I can swing it with the other containers I have at my dispose.
I’m going to be getting the Merlot grapes from a local vineyard next week to kick off the season. I have access to Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and the little Cab Sauv that I need, so unless I find an easier path, it will all be from 2019 grapes, all made this season.
The second one, which I call the Bordeaux Blend, is now my second favorite wine I’ve ever made. It really stands out in its nose, dark flavors and now softening tannins. So, I’ve decided to do another blend this year.
The wine I’m doing is to replicate (simulate?) the blend of a 100 point wine.
2012 Verite le Desir, 100 point wine (Robert Parker).
Le Désir—predominantly Cabernet Franc supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — shows layers of concentrated fruit, exotic spice, opulent aromatics and a plush suede texture.
Cab Franc 64%. 39 gallons
Merlo 24%. 14 gallons
Cab Sav 8%. 4.5 gallons
Petite Verdot 4%. 2.5 gallons
I’ll pre blend and age everything in a 60 gallon barrel, which will be a little tricky given that not everything will be ready at the same time, but I think I can swing it with the other containers I have at my dispose.
I’m going to be getting the Merlot grapes from a local vineyard next week to kick off the season. I have access to Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and the little Cab Sauv that I need, so unless I find an easier path, it will all be from 2019 grapes, all made this season.