Red Blend (2020)

About this wine

This 2020 Tooth & Nail Red Blend from Paso Robles combines Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine with bold flavors and a smooth finish. The wine presents aromas of black cherry, plum, cinnamon, and sweet oak, leading to flavors of blackberry and spice, all framed by velvety tannins. Aged for 24 months in French oak barrels, this wine showcases the rich character of Paso Robles vineyards.

About the grape

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are two of the most widely planted grape varieties in Paso Robles, California. Merlot, known for its soft, approachable character, has gained popularity in the region due to its versatility and ability to thrive in various microclimates. Cabernet Sauvignon, often referred to as the 'king of grapes,' excels in Paso Robles' warm, dry climate, producing wines with rich flavors and structured tannins. The combination of these two varietals in the 2020 Tooth & Nail Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend showcases the region's ability to produce balanced and complex wines.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 2020 Tooth & Nail Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend hails from Paso Robles, a region renowned for its diverse microclimates and limestone-rich soils, contributing to the wine's unique character.
• 🏰 Tooth & Nail Winery is housed in a distinctive castle-like building, complete with a moat, offering visitors a unique tasting experience.
• 🎨 The winery's labels feature artwork inspired by 19th-century naturalist John James Audubon, depicting animals fighting 'tooth and nail' for survival, reflecting the winery's name and ethos.
• 🐦 Merlot, one of the primary grapes in this blend, is named after the French word 'merle,' meaning blackbird, possibly due to the grape's dark color.
• 🍷 The 2020 vintage of this blend showcases aromas of black cherry, plum, cinnamon, and sweet oak, with flavors driven by blackberry and spice, framed by soft, velvety tannins.

Palate profile

Producer

Tooth & Nail Winery, located in Paso Robles, California, was founded in 2010 by Rob Murray, a seasoned vineyard owner and manager. In 2014, Murray acquired the former Eagle Castle Winery, transforming its medieval-style castle into a modern tasting room and event venue. The winery is renowned for its distinctive labels featuring public domain art, including works by John James Audubon, and for its commitment to sustainability, pledging 1% of net profits to environmental causes. Tooth & Nail offers a unique visitor experience with live music events, a restaurant, and a variety of wine tasting options.