Proprietary Red Wine Central Coast

A classic Bordeaux blend of primarily Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon & Malbec, we craft this Proprietary Red Wine with fruit from three prestigious appellations of the Central Coast: Arroyo Seco, San Antonio Valley, and Paso Robles.

TASTING NOTES

This expressive blend features vibrant aromas of cranberry, dark cherry and plum underscored by notes of mushroom and subtle hints of lavender. The palate is smooth and rich with flavors of dark fruit, bramble berries, tart cherry and a touch of dried eucalyptus on a pleasant long finish.

Appellation:

Central Coast

Sub-Appellations:

Arroyo Seco
San Antonio Valley
Paso Robles

Composition:

65% Merlot
20% Petite Sirah
14% Cabernet Sauvignon
1% Malbec

Avg. Cases:

10,000

Central Coast

FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, WE HAVE CRAFTED BOLD RED WINES ALONG CALIFORNIA’S CENTRAL COAST

Ranging from Santa Barbara north to the Golden Gate Bridge, the Central Coast wine region extends 300 miles along California’s Pacific coastline. To craft the Smith & Hook Proprietary Red Wine release, we focus on three unique warmer regions ideal for developing rich, bold character in Bordeaux varietals.

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Translating to “dry riverbed,” Arroyo Secco begins in a steep, narrow gorge at the foot of the Santa Lucia Mountain range and extends east to the Salinas Valley. With a cooler climate, the AVA straddles a gravely, dry riverbed that yields fruit with balanced acidity and tannins, contributing structure and backbone to the finished wine.

AVA Vineyards:

7,000 Acres

Varietals Sources:

Merlot, Petite Sirah

Elevation Range:

266 to 1,670 feet

Characteristics:

Backbone & structure

Sheltered from coastal influences by the Santa Lucia Mountains, this higher-elevation warm and dry valley ensures a long growing season for Cabernet fruit that develops rich plum and currant flavors.

AVA Vineyards:

800 Acres

Varietals Sourced:

Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon

Elevation Range:

587 to 2,789 feet

Characteristics:

Concentrated fruit flavors

Once home to farms and cattle ranches, Paso Robles is a warm expanse of sunbaked, oak-studded hills. Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, vines see consistently hot, dry days with plenty of sunshine, followed by fog and coastal influences that cool the vines down at night.

AVA Vineyards:

40,000 Acres

Varietals Sourced:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Elevation Range:

700 to 2,400 feet

Characteristics:

Round and supple tannins