2021 AXR - Red Blend Napa Proprietary

AXR Napa Valley takes its name from AxR1, the historic Aramon-Rupestris rootstock that once anchored much of California's wine industry. Based in St. Helena, the winery is guided by winemaker Jean Hoefliger, who draws on prestigious vineyard sites across Napa Valley to craft wines that balance tradition with a more modern winemaking touch. AXR's flagship Proprietary Red reflects that approach, built from some of the valley's most respected growing areas.

The 2021 Proprietary Red is a Bordeaux-style blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, sourced from vineyards in Coombsville, Yountville, and Oak Knoll. The grapes spent just over two weeks macerating on their skins before the wine was aged twelve months in French oak, forty percent of it new. Rather than release it under the Cabernet Sauvignon label, AXR kept it a proprietary blend for greater flexibility in future vintages.

The wine shows deep garnet-purple in the glass, with kirsch, black raspberry, and fresh blackcurrant aromas layered with dried rose and menthol. The medium-bodied palate is juicy and refreshing, with soft tannins and a bright finish. It pairs well with filet mignon, an aged cheese board, or dark chocolate.