Blended red wines are now the fastest growing wine category across all price points, and our 2007 Topel Estate Blend is a perfect example of why. In short, it’s just magnificent — and competition judges agree. It was one of only three red wines from the 2007 vintage to win a Double Gold Medal at the Mendocino County Wine Competition and it also snagged a Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, which is the world’s largest judging of American wines.
Blending is the highest form of the winemaker’s art. Each variety is carefully measured and the blend is constantly tweaked until the winemaker finds the perfect combination. Our 2007 Estate Blend — aged 26 months in French oak — is predominantly composed of Syrah Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, balanced by small amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot, all grown in our mountainside vineyards that rise just above the fog line in southern Mendocino County.
Deep ruby and purple colors swirl in the glass and give way to flavors of plum and chocolate (a trait of Syrah Noir). The Cabernet Sauvignon provides copious tannins while the Petit Verdot adds brightness. Everything is rounded out with a splash of Merlot. We love it with just about any red meat — and it’s equally splendid with roasted chicken!