Antares (1986)

About this wine

The 1986 Antares Hacienda from Sonoma County is a Bordeaux-style blend that has developed remarkable complexity over the decades. On the nose, it offers aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and a hint of cedar. The palate reveals layers of dark fruit flavors, including blackberry and cherry, complemented by subtle earthy undertones and a touch of spice. The tannins have softened beautifully, resulting in a smooth and well-balanced wine. This vintage reflects the excellent growing conditions of 1986, which produced full-bodied and well-structured wines in Sonoma County.

About the grape

The 1986 Hacienda Antares from Sonoma County is a blend of several grape varieties, each with its own unique history and characteristics. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc are well-known Bordeaux grapes that have thrived in California's climate, contributing to the state's reputation for producing high-quality wines. Malbec and Petit Verdot, also Bordeaux natives, add depth and complexity to blends, though they are less commonly grown in Sonoma. Carménère, once thought extinct after the phylloxera epidemic in France, was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s and has since been cultivated in small quantities in California. St. Macaire and Gros Verdot are rare Bordeaux varieties that have nearly disappeared from their homeland but have found a niche among some California winemakers interested in reviving forgotten grapes. The inclusion of these lesser-known varietals in the Hacienda Antares blend showcases a commitment to exploring and preserving the rich tapestry of wine grape heritage.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The Antares Hacienda 1986 from Sonoma County is a unique red blend featuring rare Bordeaux varietals like St. Macaire, Gros Verdot, and Carménère, alongside more common grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
• 🌎 Carménère, one of the blend's components, was originally from Bordeaux but is now primarily grown in Chile, where it was rediscovered in the 1990s after being mistaken for Merlot.
• 🍇 St. Macaire, another grape in the blend, is a dark-skinned variety once common in France's southwest but now rarely seen, making its inclusion in this wine particularly distinctive.
• 🌿 Gros Verdot, included in the blend, is a historic Bordeaux grape that has become nearly extinct in France but is occasionally found in California blends, adding depth and complexity.
• 🕰️ The 1986 vintage from Sonoma County reflects a time when winemakers experimented with diverse grape combinations, resulting in complex and unique wines that showcase the region's versatility.

Palate profile

Producer

Hacienda Wine Cellars was established in 1973 by Frank Bartholomew in Sonoma, California, after he sold his stake in Buena Vista Winery. He transformed a former hospital near his vineyards into the winery, which by 1977 was producing 25,000 cases annually under the management of A. Crawford Cooley. In 1992, JFJ Bronco purchased Hacienda and its sister label, Antares. Following Bartholomew's death in 1985, his wife, Antonia, built a replica of Agoston Haraszthy's villa on the property, and in 1994, the former Hacienda building became Bartholomew Park Winery.