94pts Tasting Panel

Comprised of 50% Merlot, 25% Zinfandel, and 25% Petite Sirah, this is such a smart blend with such good fruit that it already seems like a complete and indisputably satisfying wine even in its youth. Firmed up by just enough tannic grip and subtle oak to lend seriousness and complexity, this is still all about straightforward deliciousness.

91pts James Suckling

A good, well-concentrated and robust blend that’s full of black fruit and black pepper flavors on a moderately tannic texture. An almost chewy feel surrounds blackberry, blueberry and toasted oak flavors.

Winemaker Notes

This full-bodied, tantalizing, and zesty blend overflows with rustic flavors of red berry, dark cherry, and cassis. Fresh cracked pepper and hints of oak spice add depth to the mid-palate, while soft tannins frame a finish laced with delicate notes of cocoa and truffle.

Blend: 50% Merlot, 25% Zinfandel, 25% Petite Sirah

About the Winery

Born in Kansas, Sean Minor was surrounded by agriculture, hard work, and the values responsible for the unwavering work ethic of Midwestern families. His career in wine began after a formal education in finance from Arizona State University where he also met his wife, Nicole. After moving to California, where Sean began his fine wine career working for Napa Valley’s Beaulieu Vineyard, he knew that the wine industry was the right place for him. He furthered his education at U.C. Davis in Viticultural and Enology.

Our Winemaker

Will Bucklin continues to be our consulting winemaker, as he collaborates with Sean during the winemaking process of all of our wines. Will is a graduate of UC Davis’ prestigious enology program and started his career with an internship at the historic and world-renowned Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Following stints with Thomas Hardy in Australia and Navarro Vineyards in Mendocino, he worked with Sean at King Estate in Oregon. Together, Will and Sean work closely with the vineyards we contract, and their collaborative efforts create the consistent wines we sell today.

Sean was recruited by King Estate Winery in Oregon to manage the Estate, where he learned firsthand the importance of site-specific viticulture. After leaving King Estate, Sean led Benton Lane Winery, rounding out his cool-climate viticulture experience. Sean and his family then headed back to California for the opportunity to manage Renwood Winery and enhance his experience growing and marketing some of the Golden State’s best Zinfandel and Syrah. Four years later, he founded Sean Minor Wines.