Ellman Family Vineyards Brothers Blend 2021

From the esteemed cellars of Ellman Family emerges their Ellman Family Vineyards Brothers Blend 2021, a testament to the passion and expertise of winemaker Andy Erickson. This exquisite creation is an homage to brothers Neil and Lance Ellman, embodying the rich, opulent style that Ellman wines are renowned for. The 2021 vintage, a seamless blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot from the Ellman Family Vineyard, is a shining example of the caliber of Ellman Family Wines.
The Ellman Brothers Blend presents an alluring deep ruby hue, suggesting the depth and complexity that await the palate. On the nose, this Ellman Cabernet blend exudes an intoxicating mix of ripe black cherries, cassis, and a hint of dark chocolate, intermingled with subtle notes of baking spices, indicative of its aging in 60% new French Oak barrels. The geology of the Ellman Family Vineyard, characterized by fine sand, silt, and pebbly clay, imparts a unique terroir-driven character to the wine.
Upon tasting, the Ellman Family Vineyards Brothers Blend reveals its full splendor. The palate is greeted with a broad, expansive array of flavors, mirroring its aromatic complexity. Rich notes of dark fruit, particularly black cherry, blend harmoniously with a touch of dark chocolate. The rounded tannins, a result of the meticulous 22-month aging process, provide a smooth, lengthy finish, making this Ellman wine both immediately enjoyable and suitable for aging.
The 2021 vintage was a year of both challenges and triumphs for Ellman vineyards. The early spring and warm summer, marked by accelerated phenolic development, have bestowed the wine with both freshness and richness, a duality that is rarely achieved. The handwork and organic farming practices in the vineyard have truly brought life and vibrancy to this Ellman Family Vineyard creation.
Critical acclaim for the Ellman Family Vineyards Brothers Blend has been resounding. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 93 points, praising its beautiful black and blue fruit notes, hints of minerality, violet, and an Oakville-like black olive character. He commends its medium to full body and great finish, predicting a potential to evolve gracefully over the next decade. Vinous echoes this sentiment, giving it 92 points and highlighting its plush, juicy nature. The notes of dark cherry, chocolate, plum, mocha, spice, and lavender are particularly emphasized, with soft, succulent tannins rounding off the experience.
The Ellman Family Vineyards Brothers Blend 2021 stands as a beacon of the craftsmanship and dedication inherent in every bottle of Ellman family wines. It is not just a wine but a narrative of a season, a testament to the terroir, and a celebration of the Ellman family’s commitment to excellence in winemaking. This wine is not just an indulgence but an experience, promising to delight connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.