This borders on being a member of the “blockbuster” red category—of which I am not much of a fan—and yet the quality of the components and skill in the cellar have resulted in a wine of very high sophistication on a very big frame. Oak scents are evident but alluring rather than distracting, and though the wine is quite weighty, the flavors remain pure as well as powerful. The blend is 84% Cab Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cab Franc, 2% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot. This is sufficiently soft that it could be enjoyed now with rich stews or something like braised lamb shanks, but it would benefit from a couple of years of additional time in bottle. Bloody impressive wine.
97 Michael Franz
Ledson Winery, Sonoma Valley (California) Estate Vineyard, Red Wine “Cepage” 2021 ($110)
By Michael Franz
