2021 Highway 12 - Red Blend Sonoma County
2021 Highway 12 Red Blend — Sonoma County
Highway 12 Winery is co-owned by winemaker Paul Giusto and Michael Sebastiani, and the wine’s name nods to the highway that winds through Sonoma’s most productive vineyard lands. This Cabernet Sauvignon-led red blend is crafted in an easygoing, food-friendly style that emphasizes Sonoma’s everyday drinking wines rather than the region’s most exclusive bottlings.
The blend is drawn from vineyards along the Banana Belt of the Highway 12 corridor, combining Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and a smaller portion of Syrah. Geothermal soils and abundant sunshine help the fruit ripen fully while maintaining structure, giving Giusto material to shape in the cellar. The wine sees barrel aging to soften the tannins and add savory complexity before bottling.
On the nose, expect a jammy mix of red and black bramble fruit, with notes of chocolate and a touch of molasses on the finish. The palate carries blackberry and black raspberry flavors alongside vanilla, light leather, and anise, all wrapped in soft, approachable tannins.
Food pairings
- grilled burgers
- roasted turkey
- a simple pepperoni pizza