Exit West Estate Red Blend
This is the debut vintage (2021) of this stunning Red Blend made by all-star winemaker Patrick Sullivan. Patrick has worked in the cellars at Peter Michael, he was the associate winemaker for Paul Hobbs, and he was the head winemaker at both Lewis Cellars and Rudd. The guy knows how to make delicious, stylish, and highly-rated wines, that is a fact!
At Exit West, he's looking to make the next great California Red Blend, and I'd say he's off a to a great start. His 2021 Red Blend is 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petite Sirah, 16% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, and 7% Petite Verdot, aged in high-quality French oak (60% new) for 22 months.
The finished wine is dark, concentrated, and silky, with heady notes of blueberry compote, warm blackberry, pie spices, chocolate, and vanilla. The tannins are super silky for such a big wine, and the finish is long and satisfying. YUM!