The Brander Los Olivos District Bouchet is a powerful and smooth Bordeaux-style blend from the renowned Brander Vineyard in Santa Barbara County. The name "Bouchet" is a slang term used for both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in different areas of the Bordeaux region. First bottled in 1984, this wine is notable for being the first Meritage blend in the region. It features a composition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The Cabernet Franc, from ungrafted vines planted in 1976, and the newer plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, contribute to the wine's complex profile. The blend is aged in French oak barrels, enhancing its depth and character. Produced with non-certified organic practices, this wine represents Brander Vineyard's dedication to quality and tradition. They produce about 120 cases per year, making it a rare and sought-after offering.
NOTES FROM VINOVOSS SOMMELIER
The Brander Los Olivos District Bouchet offers an inviting bouquet of ripe red berries, black cherries, and a hint of violet.On the palate, it presents a harmonious balance of bright acidity and silky tannins, with flavors of raspberry, plum, and subtle spice notes. The finish is smooth and lingering, with a touch of earthiness.
EXPERT RATING
4.5
DRINKING WINDOW
Now
Profile
Sweetness:
Dry
Dry
Lusciously Sweet
Alcohol:
Very high
Non-Alcoholic
Very High
Intensity:
Pronounced
Subtle
Powerful
Body:
Rich
Light Bodied
Full Bodied
Acidity:
Vibrant
Soft
Crisp
Tannin:
Grippy
No Tannin
Grippy
GRAPES (3)
Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGINS
Winery: Brander
Region: Central Coast California
The Central Coast of California is a wine lover's paradise, boasting a wide variety of climates, soils, and grape varieties. Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Central Coast spans from Monterey County in the north to Santa Barbara County in the south. With its diverse topography and Mediterranean climate, the Central Coast is home to some of the most renowned wineries in the United States.
The Central Coast has a long and storied history of winemaking, dating back to the mid-1800s. The first vineyards were planted in the Santa Clara Valley, and by the late 1800s, the region was producing some of the finest wines in the country. The region's reputation for quality wines was further solidified in the early 1989, when the Santa Clara Valley was declared among the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the United States.