A delicious review of the 2016 CrossHatch Depth, Santa Ynez Valley by Winery Reflections…
“Crunchy blackberry, green tobacco, juicy Damson plum. Wild blueberry, blooming violet, black licorice. A lively parade of deep yet energetic fruit highlighted by dark cherry, tart boysenberry, and açaí anchors a nicely extracted yet fresh display intriguingly complicated by notes of bell pepper, black coffee, and bitter cacao. Hints of eucalyptus leaf, cilantro, and fresh garden herbs emerge to continue themes of pleasant natural charm while pronounced wafts of iris, lavender, and rose provide layers of pretty floral perfume. Suggestions of anise, nutmeg, dill, and cinnamon gently unfold within a wave of interesting and eclectic spices while impressions graveley minerality and sandy soil subtly reveal integrated reflections of terroir. Impressively bright and balanced on the palate with a delightful mix of concentration and crunch; exhibiting firm structure and texture inside a complex and compelling frame. Medium plus in body with elevated levels of tannin and acidity. This 2016 “Depth” by CrossHatch Wines is a well made and exciting red from Santa Barbara’s Santa Ynez Valley.
While the classic Bordeaux varieties are traditionally and frequently blended together, an overwhelming majority of blending typically takes place a year or more after harvest using a range of single-varietal base wines to create one finished wine. This bottling, crafted using a co-fermented blend of 60% Merlot/40% Cabernet Franc sourced from the Camp 4 Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley, showcases a unique and interesting take on one of the world’s most classic grape combinations. Because the co-fermentation process allows different varieties to ferment and age together as one undisturbed batch, the finished product develops a flavor profile that is completely distinct from if the blending took place further into the winemaking process. In this instance the depth, texture, and concentration of Merlot is present yet is seamlessly offset by Cab Franc’s more lively and energetic edge. This wine is an extremely interesting and exciting sum of its parts, made even more fun by a small amount of whole-cluster addition. Very nice.
Have you tried a co-fermented red blend?”