The 2011 Journey Proprietary Red is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Like the Chardonnay, the fruit for this cuvee comes from a high elevation mountain vineyard block of the Alexander Valley estate. An elegant example of a Bordeaux-styled red wine, it exhibits notes of lead pencil shavings, red and black currants, loamy soil, damp earth and gravel. Medium-bodied with good depth and richness, this excellent red should drink well for 10-15 years. Matanzas Creek enjoyed great success in the early and mid-nineties, but then appeared to rest on their laurels, and was ultimately sold to the late Jess Jackson and his small boutique portfolio. It has taken the Jackson family a number of years to get this estate back on track, but I think that it can be safely said that with the currant and upcoming releases, Matanzas Creek has been resurrected impressively. The winery now produces four Sauvignon Blancs. The flagship wines of Matanzas Creek are bottled under a separate label called Journey. The wines are obviously made by the same winemaker, Marcia Monahan. Tel. (707) 528-6464