Arouse Melange 2018

Arouse is a Mélange (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 2018

Pâtés or charcuterie: pork or veal roasts: rich, cheesy gratins: hamburgers; chicken; light meats; lightly-spiced dark meats; roast duck, turkey, and lean cuts of beef; beef bourguignon. Richer steak dishes such as tournedos Rossini. Japanese-style steak dishes.

Roasted pork loin with root vegetables or seared crispy skin duck breast with fried potatoes. Roast duck - even Chinese-style crispy duck pancakes. Christmas turkey. Macaroni and cheese.

The 2018 Arouse Mélange is a gentle monster with a wonderful broad aroma of dark, ripe plum. The wine shows powerful red fruit in the mouth with delicate touches of licorice and fennel. Silky with ultra-soft tannin throughout and not the slightest hint of astringency at any point in the tasting.

The blend is dominated by Merlot (58%). The proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon fell dramatically (13%) compared to other vintages.

It is compensated by a remarkable increase in Cabernet Franc (6%) which largely contributes to the soft, fruity aromatic expression, then Petit Verdot (11%), which has particularly fine-grained tannin and a less pronounced aroma than in some vintages and lastly Malbec (12%) adds that little touch of juicy goodness to complete the blend.

This is a wine to drink and enjoy.

The 2018 season was seamless with heavenly hangtime and phenomenal phenolic development. February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set.

Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes.

The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions as the fruit developed flavor complexity, approaching maturity with gradual increases in sugar levels, reaching optimal balance of brix and pH levels at harvest.

Matured in French Oak for 22 months, approximately 40% new, 40% one use and the balance neutral.
Cases produced = 730. No allergens were used in the making of this wine.
Color Red
Vintage 2018
Harvest Date 6th Oct 2018
Style Red Bordeaux
Appellation North Coast
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Date Bottled 27th Jul 2020
Drinkable 2021 - 2028
Alcohol 14.50%
Bottle Size 750ml