Painted Fields Curse of Knowledge 2022 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
The 2022 Painted Fields “Curse of Knowledge” red blend draws its power and poise from vineyards spread across the Sierra Foothills AVA, where the combination of elevation, granitic soils, and mountain light create fruit of exceptional concentration and balance. These high-altitude sites, some perched over 2,000 feet, experience dramatic diurnal shifts—hot days tempered by cool nights—allowing for slow, even ripening and the preservation of natural acidity. The soils, composed largely of decomposed granite and red volcanic loam, impart a distinctive mineral backbone and tension to the fruit. The 2022 growing season was warm but well-balanced by early autumn breezes from the Sierra Nevada range, producing small, thick-skinned berries with intense flavor concentration and aromatic complexity. The result is a vintage of clarity and depth—a reflection of mountain terroir that’s rugged yet refined, translating the wild beauty of the foothills into a structured, expressive wine.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Crafted by Paul Bush and the team at Madroña Vineyards, Painted Fields wines embody a philosophy of precision and respect for the land. “Curse of Knowledge” is a Bordeaux-inspired blend,  composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon,  8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc , sourced from select estate and partner vineyards throughout El Dorado County. Each varietal is vinified separately to preserve its integrity before blending. Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted, then fermented in small open-top tanks, with regular punch-downs to extract color and fine-grained tannins. After pressing, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in barrel and is aged for 18 months in a mix of French and American oak, approximately 30% new. This aging regimen brings roundness and depth while maintaining the vibrancy and mountain freshness that define the Painted Fields style. The final blend is assembled to balance power with nuance—a wine that is both structured and inviting, with a sense of craftsmanship and restraint.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Painted Fields “Curse of Knowledge” shimmers a deep garnet with violet highlights, hinting at its youthful intensity. The bouquet opens with layers of blackcurrant, plum, and mountain blueberry, accented by cedar, dried sage, graphite, and cocoa nibs. As it breathes, subtle undertones of vanilla bean, crushed rock, and espresso emerge, adding dimension and polish. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet harmoniously proportioned. Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and dark fruit core; Merlot softens the mid-palate with notes of ripe cherry and mocha. The tannins are fine-grained and persistent, framing flavors of black cherry, cassis, tobacco leaf, and baking spice with poise. The finish lingers on minerality and dark chocolate, carrying a freshness that speaks to its mountain origins. It’s a wine of intellectual appeal—true to its name—marrying ripe California fruit with the sophistication and tension of classic Bordeaux sensibility.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve the 2022 Painted Fields “Curse of Knowledge” at around 60–64 °F (16–18 °C) after a brief decant of 30–45 minutes to allow the aromatics to unfurl. Its balance of richness and structure makes it an ideal partner for grilled ribeye with rosemary butter, braised short ribs, or herb-crusted lamb chops. For a vegetarian pairing, try it with wild mushroom ragù over polenta or lentil and roasted beet stew—dishes that echo the wine’s earthy undertones and spice. It also complements aged cheeses like Comté or clothbound cheddar, where the tannins and acidity interplay beautifully with creamy textures. This vintage will drink beautifully now for its youthful vibrancy but has the structure and density to evolve gracefully over the next 8–10 years, gaining nuance and polish with age.