Category: | Red Wines |
Sub-Category: | Red Wines |
Producer: | Asterisk |
Label Name: | Proprietary Red |
Vintage: | 2018 |
Country: | United States |
Region: | Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. |
Volume: | 750ml |
ABV: | 15.4% |
Grape(s): | Merlot (≈51%), Cabernet Sauvignon (≈49%) — Bordeaux-style blend (may include small amounts of Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot). |
Acidity: | 3 |
Tannins: | 4 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 5 |
Length: | 4 |
Aroma Intensity: | 4 |
Best Temperature: | 16-18°C |
Awards/Ratings
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ (very high praise for 2018 Asterisk); Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate ~91; Vinous 92–94 (Antonio Galloni). Sources: Jeb Dunnuck / Vinelog; Wine Advocate summaries; Vinous coverage
Tasting Note
Blackcurrant, blackberry and dark cherry with chocolate‑mint, tobacco, cedar and violet accents. Full-bodied, concentrated and plush, with firm, grainy tannins, balanced acidity and a long, woody‑spiced finish.
Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, roast rack of lamb, braised beef stew, aged cheddar and hard cheeses. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), Cantonese char siu, Peking duck, Sichuan beef, Indonesian beef rendang. Pair with savory, umami‑rich dishes.
Production Method
Hand‑harvested fruit; cold soak (~7 days), small‑lot fermentations (tanks and barrel), extended maceration (≈45–60 days), matured in French oak barrels.
Vineyard Info
Sloan Estate — founded by Stuart Sloan (planted 1997), 40‑acre Rutherford hillside with ~13 acres under vine; vineyard managed by David Abreu, winemaking led by Martha McClellan. Asterisk is the estate’s second/selection wine, limited production.