Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020: A Review

Chris Hamilton Cellars is a Napa Valley winery that produces some of the finest red wines in the world. Among its most popular wines is the Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020, a rich and flavorful wine that has earned accolades from wine enthusiasts and critics alike.

Crafted from a blend of Malbec and Merlot grapes, the Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a beautifully balanced wine that showcases the best of Napa Valley's terroir. The wine is characterized by its deep ruby color, intense aromas of blackberry and black cherry, and rich flavors of dark chocolate and espresso. It has a full body, with soft tannins and a long, lingering finish.

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy a good glass of wine, the Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a wine that is sure to impress. With its complex flavors and impeccable balance, this wine is perfect for pairing with a wide range of dishes, from hearty stews to grilled meats. So why not treat yourself to a bottle of this exceptional wine and experience the magic of Napa Valley for yourself?

Overview of Chris Hamilton Cellars

Chris Hamilton Cellars is a winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. The winery was founded by Chris and Heidi Hamilton, who have a deep passion for wine and a commitment to expressing the core values of loyalty, spirit, and community through their wines.

The winery produces a range of wines, including Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. The Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a standout wine that showcases the winery's commitment to quality and excellence.

The Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, which gives it a rich and complex flavor profile. The wine has notes of black currant, blackberry, and vanilla, with a hint of spice on the finish.

Chris Hamilton Cellars is committed to sustainability and uses environmentally friendly practices in its winemaking process. The winery also sources its grapes from sustainable vineyards in Napa Valley, which ensures that the wine is of the highest quality.

Overall, Chris Hamilton Cellars is a winery that is committed to producing high-quality wines that showcase the best of Napa Valley. The winery's commitment to sustainability, quality, and excellence is evident in every bottle of wine that it produces.

Profile of the 2020 Bordeaux Blend

Composition and Varietals

The 2020 Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley is a layered and deep red wine that is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Malbec varietals. It also contains a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes for this wine were harvested in their entirety by September 12th from both Yountville and Oakville vineyards.

Tasting Notes

The 2020 Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley boasts a complex aroma of oak, cardamom, clove, mocha, rose petals, black currants, and bay laurel. On the palate, it is perfumed and velvety with flavors of berries, cherries, chocolate-dipped blueberries, and worn leather. The wine finishes with a subtle hint of Madagascar vanilla and pencil lead.

Vineyard and Terroir

The grapes for this wine were sourced from two vineyards in Napa Valley - Yountville and Oakville. The Yountville vineyard is located in the cooler southern part of Napa Valley and is known for producing grapes with bright acidity and fresh fruit flavors. The Oakville vineyard is located in the warmer northern part of Napa Valley and is known for producing grapes with rich, full-bodied flavors.

Winemaking Process

The winemaker for the 2020 Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley is Jeff Ames. The grapes were handpicked and sorted before being fermented in small batches. The wine was aged for 9 months in oak barrels before being bottled. The oak barrels used for aging were carefully selected to complement the wine's flavors and aromas. The result is a well-balanced and complex wine that showcases the best of Napa Valley's terroir.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a wine that pairs well with a variety of food items. The wine's rich and complex flavors make it an excellent choice to pair with a range of dishes. Here are some food pairing suggestions that can elevate your dining experience.

Red Meat

The wine's bold and robust flavors make it an excellent choice to pair with red meat. The tannins in the wine complement the protein in the meat and bring out the flavors of both. A grilled steak or a slow-cooked beef roast can be a perfect match for this wine.

Strong Cheese

Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a wine that can stand up to strong cheese. The wine's bold flavors and tannins complement the sharpness of the cheese, and the cheese can bring out the wine's complex flavors. A cheese board with blue cheese, aged cheddar, and gouda can be an excellent pairing for this wine.

Chocolate

The wine's rich and fruity flavors make it a great match for chocolate. The wine's tannins can cut through the sweetness of the chocolate and bring out the chocolate's flavors. A dark chocolate dessert or a chocolate truffle can be an excellent pairing for this wine.

Other Pairing Suggestions

Apart from the above pairing suggestions, this wine can also be paired with other food items such as lamb, duck, mushrooms, and grilled vegetables. The wine's rich flavors can complement the earthy flavors of the mushrooms and the smokiness of the grilled vegetables.

In conclusion, Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a versatile wine that can be paired with a range of dishes. Whether it is red meat, strong cheese, or chocolate, this wine can elevate your dining experience and leave you with a lasting impression.

Aging Potential and Storage

Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a wine that has the potential to age gracefully. The wine is made from a blend of grapes, including Malbec and Merlot, which gives it a complex and layered flavor profile. The wine has a deep, rich color and a full-bodied taste that is sure to please any wine enthusiast.

If you are planning on storing Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020, it is important to keep it in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for storing red wine is between 55°F and 65°F (12°C and 18°C). Storing the wine at a higher temperature can cause it to age too quickly, while storing it at a lower temperature can cause it to lose its flavor and aroma.

It is also important to store the wine horizontally, as this helps keep the cork moist. A dry cork can allow air to enter the bottle, which can cause the wine to oxidize and spoil. If you plan on storing the wine for an extended period, it may be a good idea to invest in a wine fridge or cellar. These devices are designed to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, which can help preserve the wine's flavor and aroma.

Overall, Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a wine that is worth aging and storing properly. With its complex flavor profile and full-bodied taste, it is sure to impress any wine enthusiast. Just be sure to store it in a cool, dark place and keep the cork moist to ensure that it ages gracefully.

Pricing and Value

Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is an exceptional wine that offers excellent value for its price. The wine is sold at a reasonable price of $20 per bottle, which is a steal considering the quality of the wine.

The wine is available at Last Bottle Wines, a reputable online wine retailer that offers great deals on high-quality wines. The retailer offers free shipping on orders of 6 or more bottles, making it an excellent choice for those who want to buy wine in bulk.

The price of Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is competitive compared to other wines in its class. The wine is priced lower than many other Napa Valley Bordeaux blends, making it an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts who want to enjoy high-quality wine without breaking the bank.

Market trends show that the demand for high-quality Napa Valley Bordeaux blends is on the rise. Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend. The wine has received positive reviews from wine critics and enthusiasts alike, which has helped to increase its popularity.

In conclusion, Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 offers excellent value for its price. The wine is reasonably priced and offers exceptional quality, making it an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts who want to enjoy high-quality wine without breaking the bank.

Critical Acclaim and Scores

Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 has received critical acclaim from various wine critics and publications. The wine has been rated highly and has won several awards.

According to Wine Enthusiast, the 2020 vintage received a score of 92 out of 100 points. The publication described the wine as "full-bodied and rich, with a concentrated core of black currant, blackberry and licorice flavors." The wine was also praised for its "firm tannins and balanced acidity."

James Suckling awarded the wine 91 points, describing it as "a full-bodied red with blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant character, as well as hints of chocolate and spices." The publication also noted the wine's "fine tannins and bright acidity."

Other publications such as Wine Spectator and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated the wine highly, with scores of 90 and 89 points respectively.

Overall, Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 has received positive reviews from wine critics and publications. The wine's rich flavor profile, firm tannins, and balanced acidity have been praised, making it a great addition to any wine collection.

Comparing Regions and Varietals

When it comes to Bordeaux blends, Napa Valley is often compared to the Bordeaux region of France. While Bordeaux is known for producing some of the world's most famous wines, Napa Valley has also gained a reputation for producing high-quality Bordeaux-style blends.

Napa Valley's climate is warmer than Bordeaux, which allows for riper fruit and higher alcohol levels in the wine. This can result in a richer, more full-bodied wine with a higher concentration of fruit flavors. Bordeaux, on the other hand, has a cooler climate, resulting in wines that are more structured with higher acidity and tannins.

Chris Hamilton Cellars' Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape in Napa Valley and is known for its bold tannins and black fruit flavors. Merlot adds softness and roundness to the blend, while Cabernet Franc contributes floral and herbal notes.

Napa Wine Co., where Chris Hamilton Cellars sources its grapes, is known for its sustainable farming practices and commitment to preserving the land. This attention to sustainability and terroir is reflected in the quality of the grapes and the resulting wine.

While Bordeaux blends from France are often considered the gold standard, Napa Valley's Bordeaux-style blends have gained a loyal following and are often compared favorably to their French counterparts. Chris Hamilton Cellars' Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a prime example of the high-quality wines being produced in this region.

In addition to Napa Valley and Bordeaux, other regions such as Tuscany, Italy, and the Rheingau region of Germany also produce Bordeaux-style blends. However, Napa Valley's warm climate and unique terroir give its wines a distinct character that sets them apart from other regions.

The Winery's Philosophy and Practices

Chris Hamilton Cellars is a family-owned winery that produces high-quality wines from the Napa Valley. The winery's philosophy is to express the unique terroir of the Napa Valley through their wines. They believe that the best wines come from the best fruit, and therefore they source their grapes from carefully selected vineyards in the Napa Valley.

The winery's practices reflect their commitment to quality. They use traditional winemaking techniques combined with modern technology to produce wines that are balanced, elegant, and expressive. The winery uses only the finest French oak barrels to age their wines, which adds complexity and depth to the final product.

Chris Hamilton Cellars is also committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. They use organic and sustainable farming practices to minimize their impact on the environment. The winery also participates in the Napa Green program, which is a certification program for sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices.

Overall, Chris Hamilton Cellars is a winery that is committed to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Napa Valley. Their philosophy and practices reflect their commitment to quality, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

Exploring Napa Valley's Bordeaux Blends

Napa Valley is renowned for its exceptional Bordeaux blends, which offer a unique expression of the region's terroir. Chris Hamilton Cellars, located in Napa Valley, has crafted a noteworthy Bordeaux blend from the 2020 vintage. This blend typically combines classic Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, resulting in a complex and balanced wine.

The Bordeaux blend from Chris Hamilton Cellars reflects the distinct characteristics of Napa Valley's microclimates and soils, showcasing rich fruit flavors, structured tannins, and a refined elegance. The winery's commitment to meticulous vineyard management and traditional winemaking techniques contributes to the exceptional quality of their Bordeaux blend.

Wine enthusiasts visiting Napa Valley can explore the diverse range of Bordeaux blends offered by renowned wineries, each presenting a unique interpretation of this classic style. The region's favorable climate and diverse terroir provide an ideal environment for producing Bordeaux varietals of exceptional quality and complexity.

Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 has been a favorite among wine lovers. The wine has received high ratings and positive reviews from critics and consumers alike. The wine is known for its rich, complex flavor profile that is both elegant and approachable.

Market trends suggest that consumers are increasingly interested in wines that offer a unique experience. Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a perfect example of a wine that offers a distinct flavor profile that is not commonly found in other wines. The wine is a blend of Malbec and Merlot grapes, which gives it a unique taste that is both fruity and spicy.

Wine lovers are also interested in wines that are sustainably produced. Chris Hamilton Cellars is known for its commitment to sustainable winemaking practices. The winery uses organic and biodynamic farming methods to ensure that the grapes are grown in a way that is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Overall, Chris Hamilton Cellars Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley 2020 is a wine that is well-suited for wine enthusiasts who are looking for a unique and sustainable wine experience. The wine is a testament to the winery's commitment to producing high-quality wines that are both approachable and complex.