Ninety-eight percent Cabernet Sauvignon with a drop of Petit Verdot, sourced from Rutherford, Stags Leap, and Diamond Mountain districts—hence, I suppose, the name “Synthesis.” The wine spent 18 months in 60 percent new French oak.
Its robe is a brilliant, saturated red color, but its aromas skew blue—both dried and stewed blueberries—and are streaked with leathery spice and juniper. Although youthful, its tannins feel well integrated and pleasantly drying, forming a solid frame for cherry and black bramble fruits.
A classic Napa Cabernet profile, priced below many of its peers.
14.8% abv | $50 (sample)
Stewed blueberries sounds a little more uber-ripe than I may prefer, but thanks for pointing this one out.
It’s more an aromatic note than a palate note, mercifully. The wine is both ripe and firm.