Clarissa Vin Rouge 2022

On the palate, it shows vivacity and richness, featuring notes of plum and cassis — those deep, macerated black currants lending a dark-berry depth, beautifully balanced by fine tannins and the tart vibrancy you might associate with fresh-picked blackberries. Subtle, herbal accents of bay leaf, cracked pepper, and mild tobacco weave through the flavors, adding further intrigue.

A little aeration allows the wine to unfurl, revealing even greater nuance and aromatic lift.

The palate is medium-bodied with generous fruit concentration, offering layers of ripe blackberry and boysenberry that evolve into a rich, mouth-coating finish — one that lingers gracefully and seems to last forever.

This is a worthy follow-up to its predecessor vintages dating back to 2005, with the same audacity, bravado, and fresh, racy energy carrying through the finish.

Minimal spring rainfall followed by high early-summer temperatures allowed the fruit that successfully set in spring to ripen quickly. Through August, a stretch of moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights created ideal conditions for balanced fruit development. However, a sudden heat wave in early September fast-tracked the harvest — a surprise turn in the season — but fortunately, all our varietals arrived at the winery with excellent chemistries and beautiful character.

As always, the final blend is complex and expressive, comprising, in order of quantity: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.