2017 Mountain Select Red Blend
Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Tasting Notes
“Very dark red color. Bold scents of blackberry, licorice, roasted cherries lead the charge while subtle notes of vanilla bean and oak spice round out the aromatic profile. Upon taste, these characters concentrate toward dark fruits and oak spice. There is an abundance of silky tannins and moderate acidity, which helps retain a strong sense of freshness. This Red blend finishes full, youthful, and lively. Enjoy now through 2032.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
August 2022
“Notes of crushed red and dark berries with cloves, star anise, bark and dried flowers. Medium-bodied and juicy with bright acidity and chalky tannins. Hints of earthiness at the end. Drink or hold.”
JamesSuckling.com
May 2023
Production Data
Growers: Various
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Viticulture Practice: Farmed Organic
Cooperage & Ageing: 56 months in 100% new oak (mostly French, some American)
Production: 19 barrels
Composition: 47% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 16% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
Acidity: 3.42 pH, 7.96 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Harvest: October – November 2017, hand harvested
Club Release: September 2022
Release Price: $70
Drink Now through 2032
Past Vintage Wine Scores
“Deep garnet color. rich plum nose; bright, juicy and showing plum and berry fruit; toasty, long and balanced with style and finesse.”
Anthony Dias Blue
April 2020
“Hearty reds from the Santa Cruz Mountains are often rigid, but this is a hedonistic version, with ample black cherry, caramel, cracked pepper and herbs on the nose. It remains fresh and vibrant on the palate with candied cherry and vanilla flavors framed by bright acid and polished tannins.”
Editor’s Choice
Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast
November 2019
“Deep ruby color; smooth and juicy with tangy blackberry and racy acidity; clean and lush with depth and style; a blend of all five Bordeaux varieties with Merlot in the lead.”
Anthony Dias Blue
Santa Cruz Mountains
Testarossa has been making a red blend from the Santa Cruz Mountains since 2008. It comes from the mountainous Santa Cruz Mountains appellation that has been home to our winery since 1888. This red blend was formerly called Meritage, it is now called Mountain Select Red Blend. It is a full-bodied blend consisting of fruit from the Black Ridge Vineyard on the inland slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains just across the highway from the Lexington Reservoir. Cool night and warn sunny days allow for long, slow, full ripening of the fruit. Due to the inherent concentration of this blend, we age it in barrel for up to five years so it can develop at a graceful pace, lending to the maximum complexity and enjoyment for years to come.