2022 Brothers Blend Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon 81%, Merlot 17%, Merlot 2%

The Ellman “Brothers’ Blend” is a wine that is crafted to showcase the rich, opulent style of the Ellman wines, in a bottle that is more broadly accessible and that can be immediately enjoyed on release.  The 2022 vintage delivers on that promise, with a round, juicy, fruit-driven style that is very appealing.

2022 was the third year in a multi-year drought in California, meaning that the vines had to reach deep to look for water and nutrients.  This is the type of viticultural struggle that creates wines with concentration and depth and tends to heighten the sense of place in the wines.  A crescendo of heat at the end of the growing season made for ripe, fruit-forward wines with silky tannins and great length.  The 2022 Brother’s Blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot.  The addition of the Merlot helps to shine a light on the fresh blue fruit notes in the wine, and to polish the already well-rounded tannins.

On the nose, there are notes of blueberry pie, fresh blackberry, as well as savory notes of sage, graphite, and fresh-cut wood.  The dark fruit flavors rush across the palate, along with subtle hints of baking spice and toasted almond.  Soft and generous, this wine will be a crowd pleaser for sure.  Meant to be enjoyed immediately, it will certainly age well for years in the cellar.