"Cinq Cepages" Sonoma Country Red Blend

Château St. Jean's Cinq Cépages draws from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County's warmest benchland appellation, where volcanic soils and diurnal temperature swings between the Pacific influence and inland heat create conditions favoring full phenolic ripeness across five Bordeaux varieties.

The blend unites Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, each component fermented separately before aging in French oak (proportion undisclosed by producer). This multi-varietal approach—rather than a single-varietal focus—allows the winemaker to balance structure across the five grapes, leveraging Merlot's mid-palate weight, Cabernet's tannin architecture, and Franc's aromatic lift.

The name itself signals the producer's commitment to classical Bordeaux proportioning in a New World context, a deliberate choice that distinguishes Cinq Cépages from single-varietal bottlings dominating the region.

Drink within 8–12 years of vintage for optimal integration of oak and primary fruit expression.