Notes & Flavors

We affectionately call this wine ‘Tamer’ because blending Lion Tamer is both challenging and rewarding especially when you start with Malbec as the core. Malbec on its own brings heady, floral aromas of violets and can be what I call the wild child. Big, bold and juicy upon entry, Malbec is virtually loaded with flavor. When you layer in Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon, you get complex layers of blackberries, milk chocolate, black plums and exotic perfume that carry throughout a plush texture and a ripe juicy core of black fruits. The signature of Lion Tamer is a generous palate of black raspberry and surprisingly lush tannins.

Blend: 40% Malbec, 27% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Mourvèdre, 1% Petit Verdot & 1% Merlot

93 Points, Wine Enthusiast

“This is a blend of 40% Malbec, 27% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller amounts of Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Together, they work to offerinviting elements of baking spice, cherry vanilla and a creamy palate of integrated tannins and toasted oak. The fleshy, lush feel benefits from a fresh backbone of acidity.”

90 Points, Wine Advocate

“The 2016 Proprietary Red The Lion Tamer is blended of 40% Malbec, 27% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Mourvèdre, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot. It has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and opens with notes of crushed black plums, blackberry compote and wild blueberries with hints of spice box, tobacco and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with juicy black fruits plus plenty of spicy sparks, featuring a plush texture and great freshness supporting the long finish.”