2019 Bootleg Wine Works - Red Blend Napa (750ml)

Bootleg Wine Works is the newest label from Jackson Family Wines, joining respected Napa names like Cardinale, Freemark Abbey, and La Jota. The name pays tribute to the winegrowing rogues who once smuggled prized vine cuttings from France into California. Winemaker Gabriel Valenzuela, a UC Davis graduate and Marine Corps veteran, joined the label in 2019 after working at wineries including Hall Wines and Napa Wine Company, bringing a fruit-forward, California sensibility to the blend.

The 2019 vintage blends Petite Sirah and Merlot with smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, sourced from several appellations across Napa Valley. Each year Gabriel works with whatever fruit comes in, tasting through the lots and adjusting the blend rather than following a fixed formula. The wine is aged in oak, which adds depth without overshadowing the ripe, fruit-driven core.

This dark red blend pours a deep crimson and opens with raspberry, black cherry, barrel spice, and mocha, backed by hints of pencil shaving and sweet tobacco. The full-bodied palate is fruit forward, with round, structured tannins and a long finish. It's a natural fit for venison, wild boar sausage, or a rich chocolate torte.