Arouse Melange 2017

Arouse is a Mélange or blended wine designed to push the flavors of Bordeaux to the limit with a distinctly Bill twist.

The goal with Arouse is to use the Bordeaux blenders in a blend that is not traditionally Bordeaux and come up with a unique American blend that is actually flavorful, delicious and works with foods of America.

Suggested Foods for Arouse Mélange 2017

Spicy; salty, fattier cuts of heavy meat, such as ribeye or braised short ribs. Grilled and roast lamb with garlic and rosemary. Roast beef, veal and venison. Steak pies. Beef daubes, ox cheek and other stews cooked in red wine. Roasted pork loin with root vegetables or seared crispy skin duck breast with fried potatoes. Hard cheeses such as Cheshire and red Leicester and French Mimolette.

The instantly recognizable bold color and huge nose is a forewarning of something very good to come. While the blend is dominated by (57%) mountain and (28%) valley fruit from our Sonoma vineyards, one taste and the (15%) Napa mountain fruit shows rich and full in the mouth with a solid finish.

Arouse Mélange 2017 has a remarkable tannic structure that is at once powerful and smooth. Its (63%) Cabernet Sauvignon gives it an exceptionally long finish. The (28%) Merlot largely contributes to its soft, fruity aromatic expression. This wine also contains (5%) Malbec to provide its juicy presence on the palate and (4%) Petit Verdot to help with the silky, fine-grained tannin structure. Nothing like a traditional Bordeaux blend but nevertheless - Yummy!

The 2017 growing season started off with record rainfalls that pushed the growing season into a later start, then a wide variety of weather conditions kept us busy. Late fog, windy days and unusual heat spikes all made for an eclectic mix of conditions. Then in September, extreme heat made its way into Sonoma County kick-starting harvest.

At the end of the day however, the 2017 wines are fantastic with excellent color, aromatics and flavors producing outstanding varietal quality for our entire 2017 vintage.

Matured in French Oak for 22 months, approximately 40% new, 40% one use and the balance neutral.
Only 600 cases produced so when it's gone, it's gone! No allergens or animal products were used in the making of this wine.
Color Red
Vintage 2017
Style Red Bordeaux
Appellation Sonoma County
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Date Bottled 22nd Jul 2019
Drinkable 2020 - 2025
Alcohol 14.80%
Bottle Size 750ml