Niner Wine Estates Red Paso Robles Bootjack Ranch 2020

Producer notes: 32% Cabernet Franc, 29% Malbec, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Syrah, 4% Zinfandel, 2% Carmenere. The grapes in this blend were grown at our two estate vineyards in Paso Robles. Heart Hill Vineyard is located in the Willow Creek District and Bootjack Ranch in the Geneseo District. We hand-sorted, destemmed and gravityfed the grapes into a combination of stainless steel tanks and one French oak tank. We fermented each varietal separately to preserve their unique characteristics and after 19 months, composed the final blend. The blend aged an additional month in barrels before it was bottled. A total of 20 months of aging with a lighter oak impact (36% new French oak) helped us retain balance and pure fruit expression. The base of this blend is made of three different varietals each of which contributes unique elements to the finished wine. Cabernet Franc adds herbal notes and tannin structure, Cabernet Sauvignon adds red fruit qualities and garnet color, and Malbec adds dark fruit characteristics and a plush, juicy mouthfeel. With notes of dried cherry, rhubarb and brushy herbs, this wine is ready to drink now.