Glossy, robust blend of seven red varietals led by cabernet sauvignon. A big red blend that is approachable on the palate and at the check-out counter. $18-25
Fruit harvested early morning to preserve freshness. Each varietal—cabernet sauvignon, syrah, malbec, petite sirah, mourvèdre, grenache, and zinfandel—was fermented separately in small lots. The blended wine aged in both French and American oak for 10 months. Lightly fined and filtered prior to bottling. Wine improves with some air. Consider decanting or swirling and admiring for a while in a large glass. 14.9% ABV
Jerry Brassfield purchased the original 1,600 acres of the estate as a cattle ranch and wildlife preserve in 1973. Over the next 30 years, he acquired additional contiguous property. Today, Brassfield Estate includes more than 5,000 acres on both the eastern and western sections of High Valley, as well as the Round Mountain volcano. The High Valley AVA is sub-region of the Lake Country growing region and the Clear Lake AVA. Clear Lake, California’s largest natural lake is in the center of the AVA. The region boasts the cleanest air in the state.
In 1998, Brassfield investigated different sections of the wildlife-cattle ranch operation to see if there was a potential for producing estate-grown wine. Vineyard development started in 2001. The project has grown into a state-of-the-art farming operation and winemaking facility. Megan Anderson is the winemaker, Francisco Dominguez the cellar master.
The website describes the property: “Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards are located in the western section of High Valley at High Serenity Ranch on a truly distinctive and remarkable winegrowing property. Our valley floor vineyards sit at 1800 ft. elevation. The higher vineyard blocks rise to nearly 3000 ft. The temperature fluctuation on this unique property is always one of the most amazing experienced in California.”
The operation has emphasized responsible respect for the land and wildlife from the beginning. The website notes: “We take stewardship of the land and of the creatures in and above it seriously. We have provided a flyway and refuge for thousands of ducks and other waterfowl on the Brassfield Estate lands. These preservation efforts form a connection between our history and the type of sustainable conscientiousness that ensures our future.”
Brassfield Estate Winery Eruption Proprietary Red Wine, Volcano Ridge Vineyard, High Valley Appellation, Lake County, California 2021: Deep ruby color; black plum, black cherry, brambly blackberry, blueberry jam, blackcurrant, cocoa, oak spice, cedar on the nose and palate.
Dry; moderately well behaved tannins; adequate acidity (3.91 pH). Full body. Rich, smooth, palate-coating mouthfeel. Hint of sweetness thanks to ripe fruit and high alcohol. The vineyard is adjacent to an ancient volcanic cinder cone nestled into the remote eastern edge of High Valley. The vineyard features steep slopes and red volcanic soils. East-west orientation allows for cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean and the 1,500-3,000-foot elevation makes this a distinctly cool-climate location. Originally planted in 2003 and 2004, the vineyard totals 85 acres and is planted to a sizable number of varietals, all of which are included in this blend.
Pairing—Grilled, roasted, smoked meats; rib eye, strip, filet mignon; slow-roasted, grilled lamb chops, leg of lamb with rosemary; wild game, venison medallions, duck breast with cherry or port sauce; beef, lamb stews; braised short ribs, osso buco-style beef, lamb ragù; pasta with heavy meat sauces, pasta alla puttanesca (olives, capers, tomatoes). Cheese—Aged, hard cow’s milk cheese, aged cheddar (two-plus years), gruyère, aged gouda, parmigiano-reggiano, aged comté (18-plus months); aged sheep’s milk cheese, manchego viejo, pecorino toscano stagionato; mild blue cheese, cambozola, Bleu d’Auvergne, valdéon, roquefort. Avoid mild cheese, mozzarella, fresh chèvre, burrata, ricotta; bloomy rinds, brie, camembert.
Brassfield Estate Winery website
