Napa is filled with Cabernet based wineries. But there are some other wineries that produce great wines that do not focus on high quality Cabernet Sauvignon. One of these highly unique wineries in Napa that focuses on capturing the art of blending a range of varietals, Paraduxx is located on the Silverado trail and was founded in 1994 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn. 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.
Cardiff Scott-Robinson serves as Paraduxx winemaker and was formerly the assistant winemaker at Paraduxx. I really enjoyed his wines from the 2017 vintage. The 2019 Paraduxx ‘Rector Creek Vineyard Block 5’ Red Wine (OB, 94) which is a knockout wine that shows the softer side of Cabernet Franc, with lovely herbal tones and a soft mouthfeel. Learn more about these great wines at https://www.paraduxx.com/ Here are the great new releases by Paraduxx.
2019 Paraduxx ‘Rector Creek Vineyard Block 4’ Red Wine- The deep and brooding ‘Rector Creek Vineyard Block 5’ Red Wine- is mostly comprised of Petit Verdot (58%) with 38% Zinfandel and the reminder Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for eighteen months in 60% new French oak, this unveils coffee grounds and loganberry liquor tones on the nose, alongside green herbal undertones. The palate is smooth and inviting with a soft mouthfeel. Shades of black forest cake combine with dried herbs and espresso grounds on the palate. Drink 2022-2035- 93
2019 Paraduxx ‘Rector Creek Vineyard Block 5’ Red Wine- A Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel dominant wine, with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon included, the 2019 Paraduxx ‘Rector Creek Vineyard Block 5’ Red Wine was aged for eighteen months in 60% French oak prior to bottling. The nose shows very Cabernet Franc dominant with red bell pepper and tobacco leaf alongside shades of milk chocolate. This shows plenty of toasty oak but is downright delicious in its deep core of black fruits, dark chocolate shavings, graphite and dried herbs. Delicious to consume now, this has another ten to fifteen years ahead of it. Drink 2022-2035- 94