Arnot-Roberts 2021 California Red Wine

The Arnot version of an old-School California Red Wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon 60% Cabernet Franc 20% Merlot 20%
Cabernet Sauvignon from Massa Vineyard, Bedrock Vineyard, Gordenker Vineyard.
Cabernet Franc from Persia Vineyard.
Merlot from Massa Vineyard.

In 2021 we decided to make a wine inspired by old-school California Cabernet-based blends. The 2021 is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot. We were fortunate to secure old vine Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the historic Massa Vineyard, perched 1300’ above the Carmel Valley, the first planting in the AVA.  We were also honored to work with Cabernet from the historic Bedrock vineyard, owned and farmed by Morgan Twain-Peterson in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. Cabernet also came from  the Gordenker Vineyard, growing in the volcanic red clay loam of Sonoma Valley’s Moon Mountain District. The Cabernet Franc comes from Persia Vineyard, located in the volcanic cobble of the Chalk Hill AVA. 

All the sites were harvested and vinified separately. The fruit was destemmed and fermented using native yeasts, then blended and aged in 50% concrete tank and 50% neutral French oak barrels for 10 months. The resulting wine is 12.5% alcohol and is vibrantly aromatic, supported by punchy fruit and fresh acidity. We crafted this wine to pair well with food and be ready to drink upon release but we also see that it has strong potential for positive development with some time in the bottle.