Proprietary Red Blend Central Coast

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

TASTING NOTES

Aromas of ripe blackberry and black cherry, balanced with notes of cocoa bean, vanilla and nuanced toasted oak. The refined yet plush palate with flavors of bramble berries, dark fruit, and dried cherry with silky layers of tannins and a hint of slate on the finish.

Appellation:

Central Coast

Sub-Appellations:

Arroyo Seco
Santa Lucia Highlands
San Antonio Valley

Composition:

48% Merlot
37% Petite Sirah
9% Malbec
4% Cabernet Sauvignon
<2% Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel

Avg. Cases:

12,000

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 Blend 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

Perched high above the Salinas Valley, these high-altitude vineyards gain the advantage of consistent sun exposure and warmer temperatures which speeds ripening and yields rich, opulent flavors.

AVA Vineyards:

6,400 Acres

Varietals Sources:

Malbec

Elevation Range:

40 to 2,330 feet

Characteristics:

Rich, opulent flavors

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