This wine’s journey began unexpectedly, aiming to craft a special blend for a Los Angeles Country Club. Imagine the scene: a winery visit with the F & B director and five members of the wine committee, all to ‘blend’ their perfect wine. While such scenarios can be chaotic, this one led to vineyard tours, blending trials, and lunch – all within three hours. Despite failing to agree on pricing (they aimed for a $90 member price, I believed it was worth more), the blending session sparked an idea that lingered.
Over the following week, I refined the blend we’d started, ultimately landing on an equal mix of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. I playfully dubbed it the “Holy Trinity”: Cabernet Franc, the Father (genetically the parent of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot); Cabernet Sauvignon, the Son; and Merlot, the Holy Ghost. Perhaps a nod to my Catholic upbringing, this trinity resonated deeply, especially as Merlot has become my favorite varietal – much like the Holy Ghost held a special place in my childhood faith.
In this balanced blend, each varietal contributes uniquely. The Cabernet Franc elevates the aroma profile, introducing complex fruit notes with herbaceous and spicy nuances. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the foundational structure and classic varietal character. But it’s the Merlot that weaves an almost ethereal richness throughout, lending an unmistakable deliciousness to the final wine. When considering Merlot Compared To Cabernet Sauvignon in this context, Merlot softens Cabernet Sauvignon’s potentially dominant tannins and adds a plush, velvety texture often missing in Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines.
This “Holy Trinity” blend became our 2020 PNV Auction wine and achieved a wholesale price exceeding $250 per bottle. With retail prices likely surpassing $300, it seemed my initial valuation was justified. This success highlights not only the quality of each varietal but also the synergistic magic created when merlot is expertly blended with cabernet sauvignon, and in this case, Cabernet Franc. The resulting wine showcases a complexity and appeal that transcends the individual components, proving that sometimes, the most compelling wines are born from unexpected journeys and harmonious combinations.
