95pts Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
The first iteration to include a significant amount of fruit from Farrow Ranch, Aperture’s latest vineyard acquisition… It has slowly unfurling scents of red and black currants, chocolate-covered cherries, integrated new oak spices, tobacco and tapenade. The palate is particularly elegant, balancing concentrated, nuanced flavors with a frame of velvety tannins and vibrant acidity that calls you back to the glass.
93pts Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Bordeaux Red Blend was raised in 50% new French oak for 18 months and is 44% Merlot, 27% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. The nose is highly expressive, with lots of primary fruit up front and notes of crushed mixed berries, peppercorn, violets, and mountain herbs. Full-bodied, it’s ripe and plush on the palate, with velvety tannins and notes of cocoa coming through the mid-palate and finish. It has good length.
93pts James Suckling
Ripe berries and cherries with some currant jam as well as a bouquet of fresh flowers. Full-bodied with lots unctuous fruit and layers of tannins that are supple and caressing. Flavorful finish. Fresh, too. For people who want flavor.
Winemaker Notes
For this vintage, they crafted a distinct Bordeaux blend, composed of primarily Merlot and Malbec, with a delicately balancing of smaller inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The ripe red fruit characters are structured by silky seamless tannins, showcasing an elegant density to the blend.
Blend: 44% Merlot, 27% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 9% Cabernet Franc