2016 Westwood "Legend" Sonoma County Red Blend

Staff Reviews

RW

Ryan Woodhouse

Ryan Woodhouse

K&L Buyer

Alluring aromas of lilac petals, subtle licorice and creme de cassis. The wine is powerful, deep and dark fruited with plum, blackcurrant and boysenberry. Underpinning this ripe, rich fruit are lovely savory components of shaved truffle and freshly turned earth. Full bodied and saturated but with complex umami / soil driven notes (perhaps from the biodynamic farming). Fine but firm tannins give shape and definition to the hedonistic fruit, and balanced acidity brings persistence and precision to the finish. Very classy. Philippe Melka's pedigree is on full display and at a price that is unheard of for his wines.

KW

Kirk Walker

Kirk Walker

This is a show stopper. The nose is mixed berries and spice. The palate is lush and round yet structured. The wine is charming and then I was told it was a Cabernet Rhone blend and I was 100% in. Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet are great dancing partners. The prior soften the later and the Cab gives a framework for the fruit of the prior to play off of. I wish there are more winemakers willing to play with these blends. All they need to do is try this and they will see the light.

Notes

96 points Tasting Panel: "Winemaker Philippe Melka collaborated with Westwood Estate to create the inaugural release of this proprietary red. Melka blended in 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre from Westwood’s biodynamically farmed Annadel Gap Vineyard, a prestigious, cool climate site is located between two mountains in Sonoma County, and is influenced by the Pacific, 20 miles to the west. Aromas of sweet, savory soil are primed with rich tones of blueberry preserves. Generous and a true extrovert, this red gives wide berth on the palate to creamy boysenberry and luscious, ripe plum. Red floral and graphite strike an accord with high-energy acidity. Finely grained tannins grip like a professional golfer, firm, but not tight - confident and seamless. Finishes with a snip of cayenne, sparking an alignment with cinnamon oak as the blue fruit turns darker."