The Patrick’s Vineyard has always been the top cuvée from our Home RanchEstate Vineyards in the eastern Santa Ynez Valley. It is largely from an outstanding block of Cabernet Sauvignon that also blends in small
percentages of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. If we were in
France, this type of wine would come from the Left Bank in Bordeaux, wherethe 1st Growths are located.
As many of you may know there is also a Right Bank in Bordeaux, where
Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the dominant varietals due to their clay soils, and when blended together, also make some of the most expensive and collectable red wines in the world.
The 2022 INÉS is inspired from these heralded Right Bank wines, where the art of blending Merlot and Cabernet Franc together to seamlessly produce a wine that is greater than each individual part. Right Bank wines almost always demonstrate the “velvet glove” phenomenon in great wines. Merlot provides the beautiful aromas and wonderful polished and plush mouthfeel while perfectly integrating the architecture, structure and beguiling green peppercorn aromas from Cabernet Franc. Winemaker Jeff LeBard feels the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly completes the entire experience delivering a wine with tremendous grace, finesse and power.
Santa Inés is the old Spanish spelling of Santa Ynez. This bottling is made
in honor of our town, valley and the local California Mission which bear her
name.
Santa Ynez, California