Asterisk Proprietary Red 2018

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.