Blended of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper vineyard with 18% Merlot, 18.5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Malbec, the 2015 Proprietary Red gives a very deep inky purple color and very pretty nose of baking spices, potpourri, underbrush and rose hip tea over a core of crushed black plums and black currants, with hints of dried mint and chocolate box. Rich, full-bodied and impactful with its layers of perfumed fruit in the mouth, it has lovely plush tannins and just enough acid lift, finishing with great length. 200 cases were made.

Carte Blanche's 2015 Proprietary Red is soft, sensual and inviting. This is a relatively quiet, understated style for the year. More importantly, the 2015 shows better from bottle than it did last year. Dark berry, mocha, espresso and floral notes are nicely pushed forward. The Franc character is especially evident today. (AG)