2017 Laird Family Estate Jillian's Blend Red Napa Valley, USA

Winemaker Notes
Coming from a family of tobacco farmers on the East coast originally, Ken Laird worked as a mechanical engineer in New York City before following his dream to return to farming. After purchasing a property in Napa Valley in 1970, Ken and his wife Gail cleared out the old, tired prune trees and began planting grapevines with the help of his mentor Robert Mondavi.

The Laird’s continued to purchase desirable plots throughout Napa and Carneros, recognizing each vineyard’s distinctive qualities and planting them with the right varietals to reach their fullest potential. The 2016 Jillian’s Blend combines 65% Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, and Petite Verdot, created from hand-selected fruit from the Laird’s most prized vineyards, offering a more complex and multi-layered wine than just one vineyard can convey.

Ratings from Previous Vintage
Rated 92 Points James Suckling
“This shows some tension and form this year with blueberry, blackberry and walnut undertones to the ripe tannins. Medium body and a delicious finish…"

Rated 92 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“…the deep purple-black colored 2016 Proprietary Red Jillian’s Blend has a baked blackberries, spice cake, tobacco and new leather-scented nose with menthol and grilled meats hints. Medium to full-bodied, it is juicy in the mouth with rounded tannins and a peppery kick to the finish.”