The 2023 Vintners Cut 'Ranch Red' represents the culmination of over 20 years of experience in the art of blending. This wine is the ultimate expression of our vineyard’s potential, born from two decades of refining our technique to identify the exact moment when fruit, fermentation, and oak align to create the perfect bottle. As the heart of our Vintners Cut line, this blend was intentionally crafted to be a more elevated and sophisticated counterpart to our classic Ross Ranch offerings. While both of our proprietary blends share the same Knights Valley pedigree, they are distinctly different in character: where our classic line offers approachable elegance, the Vintners Cut is defined by its power and structural complexity. We've utilized our most exceptional estate fruit and a minimalist, native yeast winemaking approach to ensure the terroir speaks clearly. With a bold, structured profile led by Cabernet Sauvignon and complemented by Malbec and Merlot, this is a "winemaker’s wine" designed for those who appreciate a deeper, more layered tasting experience.
TASTING PROFILE:
Expect robust flavors of dark fruit—blackcurrant and plum—interwoven with subtle notes of spice, tobacco, and cocoa. On the palate, well-integrated tannins provide a firm structure, balanced by a natural, refreshing acidity, leading to a lingering, smooth finish with hints of toasted oak.
WINEMAKERS NOTES:
- Varietal Composition: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 15% Merlot
- Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma County
- Fermentation Vessel: 60% New French Oak, 40% Neutral Oak
- Fermentation: 100% Native Yeast
- Barrel Aging: 18 months in French Oak
- Cases Produced: A very limited run of only 225 cases.
- Alcohol: 14.8% by volume.