One of the intriguing California Napa projects, Paraduxx is located on the Silverado trail and was founded in 1994 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn as the only Napa Valley winery focused exclusively to making Napa Valley blends. Their first vintage was a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot and Petite Sirah. Since that time there has been a surge in other blending projects, most notably the great Orin Swift wines.
This year Cardiff Scott-Robinson was named Paraduxx winemaker. Cardiff was formerly the assistant winemaker at Paraduxx and his new wines were really great across the board. I love the 2016 Paraduxx ‘Howell Mountain’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which is a really cool blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, entirely divergent to the wines of Provence but the smoky and earthy tones are really shining in this blend. The 2016 Paraduxx ‘Atlas Peak’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) is one of the better new world Sangiovese based wines that I have tried over the past year. The silky texture and mouthfeel really impresses in this ripe red fruit-driven blend. Learn more about these fantastic wines at https://www.paraduxx.com/ Here are the great new releases by Paraduxx.
2016 Paraduxx ‘Atlas Peak’ Red Wine- The 2016 Paraduxx ‘Atlas Peak’ Red Wine is a compelling blend of 57% Sangiovese and the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged for 18 months in 50% new oak prior to bottling. The high-toned red fruits shine here aromatically, with roasted figs and sandalwood tones rounding out this expressive nose. Fresh, showing a soft texture, the red red currant, black tea and tar flavors mingle with lovely earthy undertones. Expressing itself nicely now, this will continue to show well for at least another decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92
2016 Paraduxx ‘Cork Tree Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2016 Paraduxx ‘Cork Tree Vineyard’ is an intriguing blend of Malbec (60%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) and Merlot (5%). Graphite and ripe red plum take the lead with suggestions of cocoa powder that take their shape in the glass. The palate is deep and seductive, showing some mild tannins and building with ripe blueberry pie and mocha flavors, with lighter flinty undertones. This is seriously good now and will provide drinking enjoyment for another decade or more. Drink 2019-2032- 92
2016 Paraduxx ‘Howell Mountain’ Red Wine- Deep and dark in the glass, the 2016 ‘Howell Mountain’ Red Wine by Paraduxx is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest Syrah that was aged in largely new oak (60%) prior to bottling. Intensely perfumed, this beautiful wine leads with dark currants, cigar box and shades of smoked meats that all mingle nicely together in the glass. The palate has a soft, inviting texture, as black tea, blackberry cobbler and milk chocolate flavors all come together nicely. Drink 2019-2029- 92
2016 Paraduxx ‘Rector Creek Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Rector Creek Vineyard’ Red Wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) with the remainder Zinfandel. Aromatically, Cabernet Sauvignon shows itself more prominently here with the red bell pepper and cassis notes that mingle with ripe red fruits. Intriguingly, once on the attack, Zinfandel plays a larger part with its slightly sweet red cherry and strawberry flavors that mingle with the lighter dark fruit and tar tones that take their shape on the palate. This is very well-done. Drink 2019-2029- 91