92pts James Suckling

A wonderfully layered, suave and creamy red that's so easy to sip and enjoy now. This is largely due to the 60% malbec grapes in this blend, that when blended with zinfandel give a smoothness in texture, a deep color and what winemaker Stephanie Pope calls a blueberry pie effect. Full-bodied, rich in fine-grained tannins and broad in a chocolaty, slightly jammy way. Drink now.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A blend of 60% Malbec, 15% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Lion Tamer Red Blend is loaded with cherry-berry, jujube-like fruit. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied but lacks much in the way of structure, being rather gobby and almost sweet-tasting. Thankfully, it does have just enough softly dusty tannins on the finish to make it reasonably drinkable.

Tasting Notes

We lead Lion Tamer Red Blend with Malbec grown on Mount Veeder. Mouthwatering tannins frame complex flavors of black cherry, blueberry, and boysenberry with subtle notes of milk chocolate. In crafting this wine, my goal is to achieve perfect balance, with fruity layers concentrated in the mid-palate, baking spice and oak on a lingering finish.

Pair Lion Tamer Red Blend with Hess Persson Grilled Lamb Chops with Arugula, Asparagus, Maitake Mushroom and Fig Salad with Roasted Fennel and Thyme Vinaigrette.

Winemaker's Notes

Lion Tamer Red Blend explores the relationship between some of the beloved and unusual varietals of Napa Valley. Malbec leads the blend, allowing for rich layers of fruit to be balanced by mouthwatering tannins. Flavors of cassis and boysenberry, subtle notes of milk chocolate, and a lingering finish.

About the Wine

Lion Tamer is the power of the Napa Valley harnessed. These wines are a pure representation of the winemaker’s craft and their ability to tame the unruly tannins of mountain fruit.

The name Lion Tamer has become our nickname for Malbec because we use this grape as a blending variety to tame powerful tannins. 

Blend: 60% Malbec, 15% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot

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