Elizabeth Rose 'Chockablock' Red Blend 2022 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
Sourced from select vineyard parcels across Napa Valley’s warmer, lower-elevation zones, the 2022 Chockablock reflects a landscape defined by sun-drenched afternoons, wide diurnal swings, and gravelly alluvial soils that naturally limit vigor and concentrate fruit. These benchland sites, with their mix of clay-loam and deeper cobblestone layers, give the blend both richness and lift—allowing red and black fruit tones to ripen fully while preserving a surprising degree of brightness. The vintage itself was warm and relatively compact, producing small berries with thick skins and highly expressive aromatics. As a result, the wine carries an interplay of ripe California generosity and subtly earthy undertones shaped by the valley’s varied soils.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Crafted in a style aimed at plush drinkability without sacrificing structure, the Chockablock blend leans on 70%  Cabernet Sauvignon for backbone, supplemented by  18% Merlot and 12% Malbec to broaden mid-palate weight and aromatic nuance. Grapes are harvested at optimal physiological ripeness, destemmed, and fermented in stainless steel to maintain freshness and clarity of fruit. A relatively extended maceration extracts soft, round tannins rather than aggressive grip. The wine is then aged in a mix of French and American oak—mostly used barrels—to round the edges and introduce hints of spice without overshadowing the fruit. The final blend is calibrated for seamless texture, polished tannins, and a crowd-pleasing, modern California profile.

Tasting Notes
The 2022 opens with an attractive rush of ripe plum, blackberry compote, cherry liqueur, and a touch of blueberry, all lifted by violet and cocoa dust. As it expands, notes of baking spice, cedar shavings, and warm vanilla weave into the aromatics, adding dimension without heaviness. The palate is supple and immediately generous, delivering layers of dark fruit wrapped in velvety tannins and a rounded, mouth-coating mid-palate. Subtle graphite, mocha, and black pepper emerge with air, giving the wine a sense of poise and complexity. The finish is smooth, persistent, and faintly savory—balancing richness with enough acidity to keep everything lively and food-friendly.

Food Pairing & Service
This is a versatile red blend that thrives with hearty, flavor-forward dishes. Think grilled tri-tip, short rib sliders, roast pork with aromatic herbs, or a classic bacon-mushroom cheeseburger. The wine’s plush fruit also pairs beautifully with pizza topped with sausage or roasted vegetables, as well as aged cheddar, Gouda, or manchego. Serve at 60–63°F after a brief 15–20 minute decant to soften the oak edges and allow the fruit to fully unfurl. While approachable now, it will hold comfortably for another 3–5 years, maintaining its vibrant, fruit-driven charm.