
2018 Cervantes Blacktail Red Wine Napa Valley
This is only the second vintage of this unique cuvée from our estate vineyard. The concept was years in the making: to find a mix of grape varieties that can capture the spirit and potential of our ranch. This is not a formula, but more of a journey and an exploration. Lucky for us, the vineyard is planted to a long list of compelling cultivars, and we continue to add to this list. Let’s face it, our sprawling ranch on the eastern outreaches of Napa is not like the center of the valley-proper, and this is one of our strengths.
As we continue to farm the land and to learn what it has to offer, our proprietary wine—“Blacktail”—will take us wherever the path leads us. But the aim is that what goes in the bottle is the most singular expression of our land from the vintage. The 2018 is incredibly promising. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot, the wine is as complex and alluring as it sounds. Floral notes, herbs and spices, and scents of gravel and earth are seamlessly integrated with dark, ripe fruit aromas and flavors.
Aged for 20 months in barrel, the wine is structured but accessible, and the combination of fruit, tannin, and acid are mouthwatering. The many layers in the glass will draw you in and keep you coming back for more.
ANDY ERICKSON | WINEMAKER

Blacktail Proprietary Red Wine