2019 RR Poet "Allusion" Red Blend (750ml Bottle)
2019 RR Poet "Allusion" Red Blend (750ml Bottle)
RR Poet wines are limited-production, estate-grown wines. Our wines reflect a singular vision - to express the very best qualities of a distinctive place - our very own PineBrake Vineyard. The 2019 “Allusion” is a blend of 65% Merlot & 35% Cabernet Franc, echoing the great wines of the right bank Bordeaux region, but certainly exhibiting and highlighting the characteristics of our own great winegrowing region. Extremely Limited.
Winemaker Tasting Notes
Dark ruby-purple in color with an absolutely riveting bouquet--black currant, black plum, violets, eucalyptus, mint, gravel with nuances of smoldering incense, Mexican vanilla bean, dark chocolate. Exquisitely balanced on the palate with a lovely tension between the lively acidity and very fine-grained tannins. Slightly firm and savory on the palate with notes of black currant, black cherry, black plum, eucalyptus, wild mint, gravel, and gentle overtones of violets and dried sage. The very long, rich finish reverberates with notes of violets, black currant, and gravel. This wine is excellent to drink now, but should reach maturity in 8-10 years, and properly cellared, this wine will gracefully evolve for 20+ years. -Billo Naravane, MW
Critics’ Notes & Scores
“Based on 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc from a site in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA, the 2019 Allusion PineBrake Vineyard sports a deep ruby/purple hue to go with a gorgeous nose of sweet crème de cassis, spicy wood, chocolate, and smoked tobacco. These carry to a medium to full-bodied, pure, plush, elegant red offering sweet tannins, beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. This forward, sexy, incredibly charming red blend is perfect for drinking over the coming 7-8 years, if not longer.” - Jeb Dunnuck - 94 Points
“The 2019 ‘Allusion’ is a compelling blend of 65% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Franc. Once on the nose this takes on layers of mocha, tar and sagebrush alongside red bell pepper and a dusting of white pepper. The palate is soft and seamless with great flavor density and a core of dark fruits with tobacco leaf, dark chocolate shavings and anise. Drink 2021-2035” - Owen Bargreen – Vinous – 94 Points
“A new producer on the scene - RR Poet is producing stunning wines right out of the gate. This phenomenal wine comprised of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc is sure to impress. Beautiful medium to dark ruby with a silvery rim in the glass, the notes of black cherry, matchstick, dark plum, dried mountain mint integrated with dark chocolate notes are intoxicating. Medium-high acidity, crunchy tannins, and a perfectly balanced mouthfeel are all present. What an amazing effort that you can enjoy over the next decade or more.” - Jeremy Young - International Wine Report – 95 Points
“The 2019 Allusion, a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc from the PineBrake vineyard, has a gorgeous, juicy, red-fruited profile. The wine is fresh and firm, with a softer style and body yet remains youthful. The mineral tension is still tight, indicating that it needs additional years in the bottle to develop fully. The wine reveals a spicy mid-palate that firms up with a tannic finish that needs at least one more year in the bottle. Made by winemaker Billo Naravane MW, the wine aged sur lie for 19 months in 50% new French oak.” - Anthony Mueller - Robert Parker Wine Advocate - 93+ Points
“This blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc is an attention-getter. The aromas announce themselves with notes of nori, coffee, struck flint, chocolate and cherry. The palate is plump and polished, with the fruit front and center. Lightly sandy tannins back it up. Best after 2025.” - “Cellar Selection”- Sean Sullivan - Wine Enthusiast Magazine – 93 Points
Technical Details
Alcohol 14.5%
pH 3.74
TA 6.0 g/L
Cold soak 144 hours
Punchdowns 2-3 times/day during fermentation
Aged sur lie for 19 months in French Oak
Oak profile is 50% new French oak (Troncais) and 50% neutral French oak
Racked once prior to bottling
Unfined
Filtered via super-gentle crossflow technology
249 Cases Produced