Leviathan Proprietary Red Blend - California
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Do you love the big, lushly-textured red wines of California? If the answer is YES, you must become familiar with the name Andy Erickson!
Andy spent years honing his craft at some of the most prestigious estates in California - Merryvale, Dalle Valle, Mayacamas, and Staglin, to name a few - and eventually landed the sweet job of head winemaker at cult winery Screaming Eagle. This was a crowning achievement of an illustrious career and a testament to Andy's phenomenal talents, as Screaming Eagle routinely fetches 4-figure prices per bottle.
You (or a lucky gift recipient) can savor the fruits of this immensely gifted winemaker without skipping a mortgage payment or taking out a loan!
Andy Erickson is the proprietor, along with his wife, Annie Favia, of Favia Wines. Leviathan is an offshoot of this endeavor, and it was borne out of Andy's desire to craft wine unencumbered by AVA guidelines. Without these restrictions, Andy can make wine with a blend of varietals and vineyard sites that best represent the vintage.
The 2022 Leviathan Proprietary Red is a blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% petite sirah, 6% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 3% syrah, and 2% petit verdot aged for 15 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels for 15 months. Grapes were sourced from single vineyard sites in Napa, Sonoma, and Lake Counties. It has alluring aromas of sweet cigar wrappers, Luxardo cherries, and plums. Currants, baking spices, and black tea contribute to a palate that is both earthy and savory. The tannins are structured yet pliant, making this wine approachable now AND cellar-worthy. (winemaker notes)
Check out the press!
94 points, James Suckling:
"This multi-appellation, cabernet-dominated blend delivers quality and value. Aromas of blackberry, plum, licorice, bitter chocolate, violet, and spice. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with softly integrated tannins and bright acidity that leads into a plush and generous finish. Fresh, with early-drinking appeal and a high level of sophistication. Drink or hold."
92 points, Wine Advocate:
“Surprisingly, the 2022 Leviathan Red Wine may outshine the 2021 vintage. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% petite sirah, 6% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 3% syrah, and 2% petit verdot, it's loaded with black cherries and cassis. Velvety textured, fruit-forward, and long on the finish, it's a fun, easy-drinking wine at a regular-person price.”
91 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
“Red and black fruits, leafy herbs, cedarwood, and truffly earth notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, solid balance, and outstanding length.” |
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.8%
Farming Practices: Sustainably farmed vineyards across Napa, Sonoma, Lake County, and Red Hills
Producer Name: Leviathan (Winemaker: Andy Erickson)
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: United States
Region: California (multi-regional blend)
Grape Varietals: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Full-bodied California red blend with rich fruit, firm structure, and savory complexity
Winemaking Techniques: Hand-harvested, individually fermented by lot, aged in French oak barrels (mix of new and neutral)
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork
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