2021 Highway 12 - Red Blend Sonoma County

Highway 12 Winery is co-owned by winemaker Paul Giusto and Michael Sebastiani, a member of one of Sonoma County's most established winemaking families. The winery takes its name from the highway that runs through some of Sonoma's most productive vineyard land, and its wines are built around an easygoing, food-friendly style meant to showcase the county's everyday drinking wines rather than its most exclusive bottlings.

This red blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon, rounded out with Merlot and a smaller portion of Syrah, sourced from vineyards along the so-called Banana Belt of the Highway 12 corridor. The area's geothermal soils and reliable sunshine allow the fruit to ripen fully while still retaining structure, giving Giusto plenty to work with in the cellar. The wine was aged in barrel to soften the tannins and build a bit of savory complexity before bottling.

On the nose, this blend offers 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. It works well with grilled burgers, roasted turkey, or a simple pepperoni pizza.