Another intriguing Baja blend of 3 varieties rarely seen together, El Caporal consists of 50% Nebbiolo, 25% Merlot, and 25% Tempranillo. Aged for 5 months in French oak, it is smooth, balanced, and ever so inviting. The wine brings together some leathery, earthy notes along with ripe plums and anise in both aromas and flavors. Medium bodied, but with some flesh and green tea, herbal flavors poking through. It finishes extremely long, with soft tannins. Nebbiolo is quite successful in Guadalupe, but this blend comes across as wonderfully multi-layered. The winery was started in 2008 by Daniel Sanchez and Gabriela Melchum. Vinos Melchum is another label for this 2,000 case winery. It is also a boutique hotel and restaurant.
Hacienda Guadalupe, Guadalupe Valley (Baja California, Mexico) 2019
By Norm Roby