Vineyard 36 Foundation Red Blend 2023 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
The Foundation Red Blend 2023 is sourced primarily from select vineyards across Napa Valley, focusing on sites that deliver both ripe fruit weight and balanced structure. Many of these parcels lie on the alluvial fans of Rutherford and Oakville, where gravelly, well-drained soils create small, concentrated berries with intense color and polished tannins. Additional components often come from slightly cooler benches and hillside pockets, adding lift, aromatic freshness, and tension. The 2023 growing season in Napa was characterized by a long, moderate summer, free from extreme heat spikes, allowing for slow, even ripening and precise phenolic development. The resulting fruit captured both vibrant aromatics and plush mid-palate depth, producing a blend with clarity, density, and remarkable approachability.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Driven by Vineyard 36’s philosophy of crafting luxurious, expressive Napa reds, the Foundation Blend is built around Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Grapes are hand-harvested, double-sorted, and fermented in small stainless-steel tanks to maximize control over extraction. A combination of pump-overs and gentle délestage encourages supple tannin development while preserving purity of fruit. The wine is aged for 18–20 months in predominantly new French oak, selected from top coopers for fine-grained texture and subtle toast accents. The 2023 vintage shows a polished oak signature, integrated seamlessly into the wine’s natural concentration. Bottled unfined and minimally filtered, it retains depth and aromatic detail.

Tasting Notes
The 2023 Foundation Red Blend opens with a generous, opulent bouquet of black cherry, ripe plum, cassis, and blackberry compote, lifted by notes of violet, graphite, baking spice, and dark cocoa. On the palate, the wine is rich and velvety, showcasing a layered mix of blue and black fruits, including wild blueberry, black raspberry, and crème de cassis. The Merlot contributes plushness, while the Cabernet Franc adds aromatic lift—sage, lavender, and a touch of sandalwood. Fine-grained tannins frame the mid-palate, creating a sense of structure without heaviness. The finish is long, polished, and warm, echoing flavors of espresso bean, vanilla pod, cedar, and dark chocolate, with just enough acidity to keep the wine bright and energetic. This vintage is especially approachable young, offering depth without requiring extended cellaring.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 60–65 °F (16–18 °C) after a 30–45 minute decant, which helps integrate the oak and open its layered aromatics. This is a natural match for rich, savory dishes: grilled ribeye, slow-braised short ribs, lamb loin with rosemary, or filet mignon with herb butter. For more casual fare, try it with truffle cheeseburgers, beef ragu over pappardelle, or wood-fired pizza with sausage and caramelized onions. Aged cheeses such as Mahon, Comté, or cave-aged cheddar also pair beautifully. Enjoy now through 2032 for peak balance, though it will hold and evolve beyond that.