2016 Nicholas Allen Carte Blanche Red

Coming from Napa Valley, the 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, all aged in new barrels. This cuvée is made with the idea to be slightly more accessible and offers a St. Emilion-like feel in its blue fruits, tobacco leaf, crushed rocks, and cedary, spice-laced aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied, has a layered, balanced texture, and terrific tannin quality. It’s another powerful yet elegant wine from Keplinger. These Carte Blanche releases are made by superstar winemaker Helen Keplinger.

The 2016 Proprietary Red is delicate and nuanced, with Cabernet Franc very much in evidence in the wine's flavor profile and overall feel. Silky and expressive, the Proprietary Red has so much to offer. Floral notes add lift to a core of red-toned fruit in this classy, elegant wine from Carte Blanche. Everything just falls into place effortlessly.

The 2016 Proprietary Red is a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 100% French oak barrels. Very deep purple-black in color, it displays intense blackcurrants, warm blackberries and blueberry compote notes with suggestions of tree bark, incense and tar plus a waft of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied and firm, with exquisitely ripe tannins, it delivers wonderful length and depth. 150 cases produced.