Leviathan, Red Blend, California, United States 2019

Description

Winery Notes

Leviathan was founded in 2004 by winemaker Andy Erickson, former winemaker of Screaming Eagle Winery. The goal was simple: to create one, unique red wine, drawn from some of the best vineyards in Northern California. The resulting bottling, was born of a passion for blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, to create a full bodied wine with a character all of its own. Since then, we have remained true to our goal of producing a rich, distinctly Californian red blend, year after year.

Wine Advocate 91

Made in the old Flowers winery in Sebastopol, Leviathan is a partnership between winemaker Andy Erickson and Huneeus Vintners, sourcing grapes from throughout California. Leviathan's 2019 Red Wine is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 12% Syrah, 5% Petite Syrah and 3% Cabernet Franc matured 16 months in 25% new French oak. The result of the overall approach is a wine with mixed red and black berries tinged with cedar and vanilla shadings. It's full-bodied, rounded and velvety, even a bit warm on the finish, and if it's slightly lacking in distinctness, it is bold, flavorful and satisfying, delivering terrific value.

James Suckling 95

Very pure fruit this year with ripe raspberries and fresh currants throughout. Full-to medium-bodied with soft, polished tannins and bright, clean fruit. It’s really balanced and the finish and makes you want to drink it. Subtle and vivid fruit at the end. Yet, it can improve with age. Blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and petite verdot. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 93

Always a value, the 2019 California Red Wine is a juicy, up-front, undeniably delicious red with plenty of red, black, and blue fruits as well as graphite, leafy herbs, and chalky mineral nuances. Medium to full-bodied, pure, balanced, and seamless, it's a no-brainer purchase to enjoy over the coming 8-10 years at a minimum.