AXR Proprietary Red 2021

Critical Acclaim: 94 pts Decanter, 92 pts Jeb Dunnuck, 90 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

About the Winery: About the Winery: Named after the AxR rootstalk (Aramond x Rupestris) that was so prominent in building the modern California wine industry, AXR Winery pays homage to the so-called “roots” of the industry. AXR extract the uniqueness of Napa Valley’s soils into wines enjoyable now, or many years from now. They start with hand-picked grapes, naturally fermented in small handcrafted lots, add in the expertise and palette of renowned consulting winemaker Jean Hoefliger, and you have a recipe for stunning wines that promote even better conversations, more laughs, and an invitation for others to join the group!

Winemaker's Tasting Notes: Deep dark cherry with touches of magenta and Ferrari red on the rim. The nose shows beautiful spice like thyme, rosemary, cedar, peaches, plums, bubble bath, chocolate, black truffle, and pine needle, dark honey. The palate has a round dense entrance evolving on a velvety fruity palate lingering on freshness of tannins with touches of Mirabelle plum, red apple pie, pears, mocha.

"Pleasure-packed, balanced, bright, and fresh. A terrific showing for the excellent 2021 vintage. Leads with vibrant red berry fruits and flowers. With just over two weeks macerating on the skins and 12 months ageing in 40% new French oak, the tannins are pixelated, the acid tension vivid, and the medium to full body is flush with loads of crunchy dark berry fruit. It’s a downright delicious red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc.  Drinking Window: 2023 - 2033" - Decanter.

"While the 2021 Proprietary Red could be released as a Cabernet Sauvignon (it's 75% Cabernet Sauvignon), they've opted to keep it as a Proprietary blend to allow for more flexibility in the future. It has a great nose of juicy blue fruits and subtle cassis as well as medium to full-bodied richness, some textbook Cabernet chocolate and tobacco notes, a round, mouth-filling texture, and outstanding length. It's a beautiful wine that will evolve for 10-12 years."- Jeb Dunnuck.

"AXR's 2021 Proprietary Red has aromas defined by notes of crushed stone and dried herbs. Yes, they're backed by decent blackberry fruit, but this wine may prove a touch too herbal for some. Otherwise, this blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot is full-bodied and rather chunky in feel, yet it finishes silky and satisfying.  Drinking Window: 2024-2030" -Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Varietal: 75% Cabernet, 15% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.