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About the Wine

Founded in 1995, Lancaster Estate is a family-owned winery dedicated to producing estate-grown, produced, and bottled wines from its 53-acre vineyard at the southern edge of Alexander Valley. Surrounded by the Knights Valley and Chalk Hill appellations, the estate is known for its exclusive focus on classic Bordeaux varietals—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Guided by Winemaker David Drake and Viticulturist Brian Malone, the team combines modern technology with hands-on farming to bring out the best of the land’s volcanic soils, hillside microclimates, and geological richness. The result is a portfolio of age-worthy wines that reflect the power, elegance, and terroir of this iconic Sonoma site.

The 2021 Lancaster Estate Winemaker’s Cuvée Red is a true expression of the estate’s volcanic soils and warm Alexander Valley climate. Grown in alluvial and gravelly loam, this vintage showcases a masterful balance of richness, structure, and depth, capturing the complexity that defines Lancaster’s hillside terroir.

Tasting Notes

Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Marsanne

This wine captures the perfect balance of power and precision. Grown in the estate’s warm climate and gravelly alluvial soils, it reflects both richness and structure in every sip. Deep purple in the glass, it opens with lush aromas of dark berry fruit, layered with savory hints and a touch of toasted oak.

The full-bodied palate unfolds with complexity—revealing notes of black cherry, currant, tobacco, and a whisper of graphite.

Critical Reviews

The 2021 Winemaker's Cuvee Red Blend is composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot. A saturated red color, it opens in the glass to reveal a luxurious and layered profile with notes of cassis, menthol, polished leather, and mocha. Full-bodied and velvety on the palate, it’s generous, offering a balanced and ripe feel without feeling weighty, and it has an elegantly rich and tapered finish. ~ 94 Jeb Dunnuck 

This solidly built, brawny wine is full-bodied, ripe in flavor, and moderately tannic. Toasted walnuts, roasted plums, and tawny spices are braced by good, sandy tannins. Drink or hold. Screw cap. ~ 92 James Suckling

This Cabernet-dominated blend is intense but charming, with a creamy chocolate-covered-cherry aroma wafting from the glass. The palate is midweight and bright, with cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, and cocoa-powder flavors coating the palate, leading to a grippy, tannic finish. ~ 90 Wine Enthusiast

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Food Pairing

Grilled Meat

Venison

Ribs

Pork

Mouthfeel & Acidity

Wine characteristics including body, acidity levels, tannin structure, and sweetness profile.

Light Body Full Body

 

 

 

 

 

Low Acidity High Acidity

 

 

 

 

 

Soft Tannins Firm Tannins

Dry Sweet