The Williams family doesn’t always release its Estate Red this soon, but this Meritage-style blend from their Heart of the Hill (80%) and Kiona Estate vineyards has come together so nicely so soon — earlier than many bold reds off Red Mountain. The assemblage of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (15%), Malbec (10%), Petit Verdot (10%) and Cabernet Franc received a barrel program of 60% new French oak with medium-plus toast for 18 months, and there’s balance from stem to stern with aromas and flavors of black currant, blackberry and cola framed by plum-skin tannin and plum juice acidity. The restraint in the structure allows for accents of red currant, anise and horehound to come through in the finish.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 400 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
Leave a Reply