Markham Vineyards The Altruist Red Blend 2018 750 ML

Some vivid tobacco leaves and olives to the dark plums, cassis and cedary wood. A hint of chocolate, too. Juicy and firm on the palate, showing nice dryness and poise. A classy red blend of 61% merlot, 24% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 5% malbec and 3% petit verdot. Ends pretty long, fresh and nuanced. Well made.
Producer Information
Markham Vineyards is a winery located in St Helena in Napa Valley, California. Established in 1879, it is one of the oldest continuously operated wineries in Napa County. Markham produce an array of wines, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Jean Laurent purchased the Markham property in 1879, and it remained in his family’s ownership until it was purchased by Bruce Markham in 1978. Markham also had the foresight to purchase 142 hectares (350 acres) of land in Calistoga, Yountville and the Oak Knoll District, well before fame and recognition came to Napa Valley. This has meant that prices for Markham Vineyards wines are at reasonable prices compared to many of its neighbors who bought property after land prices in Napa skyrocketed. Markham focuses primarily on the Bordeaux varieties, blending across four vineyard properties to create a consistent product. The Character is the flagship offering, a Bordeaux blend of primarily Merlot, sourced from Napa Valley and aged for 30 months prior to release. The Altruist is the top-of-the-line Cabernet Sauvignon offering, sourced from the Yountville estate vineyards. The wines are classic Napa Valley in style: full-bodied, robust, and ripe.