Although many of the world’s best red wines are blends of several varieties, over the last half century, Americans have preferred mostly single variety wines. Though, over the last ten years or so, red blends have emerged as one of the most popular types of red wine. As with all wine, there are different styles but, as a type, blends tend to be fuller bodied, smoother and more balanced than mono-varietal reds.
The two most common styles are those modeled after Bordeaux (various combinations of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petite verdot, malbec-the first five in this column) and Rhône (various combinations of syrah, grenache, mouvedre).
With ownership of prime vineyards spanning Napa Valley, Markham offers these prime examples of Bordeaux-style blends.
- 2022 “The Altruist” ($30) with 85% merlot, this is juicy, velvety, with herbal notes from added cabernet sauvignon
- 2022 “Right Side” Yountville Ranch Vineyard ($85) 52% merlot, 37% cabernet franc, 11% cabernet sauvignon; complex black cherry, plum, juicy acidity, tobacco
- 2022 “Blue Boots” Calistoga ($75) 63% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot; well structured, bright mixed berries, blackcurrant, cocoa, vanilla, black tea
2018 Rodney Strong “Symmetry” Alexander Valley ($70) family owned, pioneering Sonoma winery; 79% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petite verdot, 6% malbec, 4% merlot, 2% cabernet franc; full but supple, red fruit, plum, dusty oak
2019 Spring Valley Vineyard “Frederick” ($60) family owned in Walla Walla Valley since 1910; cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc; dried herbs, tobacco, dark fruits balanced by juicy tannins, mineral and herbal notes
2021 Syncline “Cuvée Elena” Columbia Valley ($65) 46% syrah, 27% grenache, 27% Mourvèdre from; loads of red fruits, hint of black pepper, soft, plush
2022 J. Lohr “Gesture GSM” Paso Robles ($48) limited release, 83% grenache, 16% syrah, 1% mourvèdre; lighter bodied but full flavored, luscious, fresh berries, black pepper
2022 Anaba “Turbine Red” ($48) 40% mourvèdre, 30% syrah, 24% grenache, 6% petite sirah; sourced from family-owned vineyards throughout Sonoma County; impressive red and dark berries, earthy, baking spice notes; name references the winery’s wind turbine
2023 Copain “P2” ($42) fascinating, chillable, low alcohol 50% pinot noir, 50% pinot gris from two vineyards in the Sonoma Coast AVA; bright, spirited red fruit with vibrant citrus