Martin Reyes, Master of Wine, crafted this wine by sourcing barrels of wine from a handful of great Napa wineries and making a blend. It is Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc-heavy with Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot adding nuance. An old-world nose of smoky berry/cherry, musk, cedar and pencil shavings, along with its heartbeat of acidity, definitely remind me of Bordeaux. In the mouth the density and expansiveness of Napa Cabernet comes through as flavors of creme de cassis, blackberries, leather handbag, cumin and toasty barrel with a drop of vanilla glide by. You can tell this wine comes from high pedigree.
Peter Paul Wines is owned by entrepreneur/philanthropist Peter Paul and managed by Martin Reyes, MW. Reyes is the winemaker with Jamey Whetstone consulting. The winery has made solid wines since their beginning in the mid-2000s. That said, the quality and focus have skyrocketed since Martin Reyes came on board in 2016. Just under 2000 cases made, total, each vintage.