Ghost Pines Red Blend 2017

At the heart of every glass of Ghost Pines is the notion that world-class wines are made from quality grapes – grapes that span many appellations. An unconventional view against today's backdrop of single-appellation wines, the Ghost Pines philosophy is a modern take on visionary winemaker Louis M. Martini's approach to winemaking. In the 1930s, Martini didn't think about appellation boundaries. He simply sought the best grapes from the best vineyards to craft his unforgettable wines, long before American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) were established in California.

Seventy-five years later, Napa's historic Louis M. Martini Winery launched Ghost Pines to give Aaron Piotter and a talented group of forward-thinking winemakers the freedom to blend the finest grapes across appellations. The result is a collection of sophisticated wines that illustrate the best characteristics of each varietal and region, balancing elegance with structure, intensity with nuance. Echoing the unharnessed, free-form character of its namesake tree, Ghost Pines embodies the progressive spirit of California winemaking: no boundaries, no limits.

The 2017 Ghost Pines Red Blend has rich aromas and flavors of blackberry and pepper, framed by hints of toast and leather on the nose. Flavors of dark berry, licorice and brown spice meld with notes of cedar and dried herb on the palate.

87 Points - Wine Enthusiast    Generous, oaky and almost sweet, this full-bodied wine offers caramel and blackberry-jam aromas, rich chocolate, vanilla and cedar flavors.