2021 Hamel Stratum Estate Red Blend

53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Zinfandel

The 2021 Stratum Red Wine displays a dark ruby hue in the glass. Its lively and dynamic nose opens with black cherry, blackberry, and raspberry and a hint of flintiness, evolving into a bouquet of fresh sage, wild herbs, and delicate rose petals. These aromas are grounded by a pronounced sanguine quality, reminiscent of crushed, iron-rich volcanic rock. On the palate, layers of ripe plum and pomegranate deliver a vibrant and harmonious character. With a focused tension on the front and mid-palate, the energy and sapidity of the wine’s structure extend into a finish shaped by tightly knit, chalky mineral tannins. While approachable in its youth, the wine is structured and will gracefully age over the next seven years.