Winemakers were blessed with a crop of outstanding quality. The harvest period was warm and dry, extending hang time for all growing regions throughout California. The lack of extreme heat allowed for even ripening and our winemaking team was able to pick at optimal sugar levels and flavor. Our winemaking team, led by Antonio Treviño, excels in the subtlety of winemaking and the art of blending that comes with years of experience. Before harvest even begins, the team identifies the A+ vineyard lots for Cryptic and keeps a watchful eye on the grapes as they ripen. When the grapes are fully developed, winemaking makes the call to pick. Once the grapes arrive at the winery, each lot was vinified and aged separately. Our winemakers used both stainless steel and oak casks for fermentation and the wine was aged in small oak barrels for 14 months to add levels of complexity to the final blend. Cryptic features a spicy frame wrapped by heady aromas and flavors of blackberry jam, fresh red plum, black licorice and mocha. Rich and juicy, with plush tannins, the finish keeps on giving long after the last sip. Cryptic’s subtle toasty notes and ripe fruit flavors pair well with roasted or grilled meats, hearty pasta dishes or wood-fired pizza.“… luscious, medium-bodied, exuberantly fruity, dry red with plenty of character as well as Provençal herbs, pepper, meat, black cherries and blackcurrants. Drink it over the next year with pizza, hamburgers, etc. It is an excellent choice for bistros and brasseries.” – Robert Parker, 12/14

Vintage: 2016                                 

Varietal Composition: 54% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Sirah, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Barbera and 2% Merlot

Aging: 14 months in French, Hungarian & American oak barrels

Producer: Purple Wine Co.

Region: California                    

Bottles Per Case: 12 x 750 ml               

Style:Medium-Bodied & Fruity                    

Food Pairing: Breads, Cured Meat, Red Meat, Roasted Vegetables