The 2019 Phoenix is a blend of 64% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc. It offers up soaring aromatics and pliant red-toned fruit, all in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. This beautifully balanced wine from Lee Hudson and his team is an absolute winner.

The Merlot-dominated 2019 Phoenix (there’s 18% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) offers a great nose of ripe black cherries, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth, and it’s medium to full-bodied, ripe, and incredibly polished on the palate. It’s one hell of a Merlot, especially at the price. Drink this beauty over the coming 8-10 years.

A gutsy red, with a sinewy structure that highlights black currant, espresso and black olive flavors, which build toward broad-shouldered tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2023 through 2030. 940 cases made.

Composed of 64% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2019 Phoenix gives up notes of ripe black plums, blackberry preserves and mulberries, plus suggestions of menthol, dark chocolate and spice cake. Medium to full-bodied with plush tannins and bags of juicy black fruits, it finishes with a vibrant, lifted finish.