Highlands 41 Black Granite Red Blend 2020
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After a gentle fermentation, the varietal components of this red blend were aged in oak for ten months. With bright color and high fruit intensity, the 2020 Black Granite shows lively flavors of raspberry, blackberry and plum with warm notes of spice, brown sugar and vanilla. This is an approachable, well-integrated wine with long, soft tannins and a smooth finish.
Blend: 45% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, 15% Malbec, 10% Syrah, 10% Merlot
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This is a rather meaty, substantial wine for a fair price. Aromas of boysenberry, elderberry, roast beef and violet lead into a thick palate of cassis, more violet and pleasant mocha touches.
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Aged in American, French, and neutral barrels for ten months. an array of varieties from the Riboli family's Creston District estate vineyards make up this blend: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon; 15% Petite Sirah; and smaller amounts of Malbec, Graciano, Zinfandel, and Mourvèdre. The grapes imparted a minerally persona to this juicy, ripe wine due to the area's calcareous soils. Uplifting flavors of blackberry, mocha, and spiced sandalwood go bold with red- tea tannins and rustic notes of strawberry preserves.
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Named after historic Highway 41 and the rugged Creston Highlands, Highlands 41 is the embodiment of the energy and excitement you get from breaking out and taking the road less travelled. Proudly rooted in Paso Robles, their wines embody the pioneer spirit that founded the area and the amazing undiscovered flavors that can be found here. Millions of years ago, the Highlands 41 vineyards were submerged under an ancient sea. Fast forward millions of years, the seas have receded leaving behind limestone rich soil which provide ideal conditions for the vineyards. At Highlands 41 sustainability and maintaining these unique soils are a top priority and all of their vineyards are certified sustainable by CSWA.
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
Paso Robles has made a name for itself as a source of supple, powerful, fruit-driven Central Coast wines. But with eleven smaller sub-AVAs, there is actually quite a bit of diversity to be found in this inland portion of California’s Central Coast.
Just east over the Santa Lucia Mountains from the chilly Pacific Ocean, lie the coolest in the region: Adelaida, Templeton Gap and (Paso Robles) Willow Creek Districts, as well as York Mountain AVA and Santa Margarita Ranch. These all experience more ocean fog, wind and precipitation compared to the rest of the Paso sub-appellations. The San Miguel, (Paso Robles) Estrella, (Paso Robles) Geneso, (Paso Robles) Highlands, El Pomar and Creston Districts, along with San Juan Creek, are the hotter, more western appellations of the greater Paso Robles AVA.
This is mostly red wine country, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel standing out as the star performers. Other popular varieties include Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Grenache and Rhône blends, both red and white. There is a fairly uniform tendency here towards wines that are unapologetically bold and opulently fruit-driven, albeit with a surprising amount of acidity thanks to the region’s chilly nighttime temperatures.