The Vice 'The Tri Blend' Napa Valley 2019

The Vice Wine "Tri Blend" Napa Valley Red Blend 2019 is a unique and special wine that embodies the spirit of triathlon, blending three distinctive grape varieties to create a harmonious and victorious wine. Crafted by Malek Amrani, founder and winemaker of The Vice Wine, this wine symbolizes the challenge and achievement of excelling in the three disciplines of triathlon. The "Tri Blend" comprises 16% Petite Sirah, 54% Malbec, and 30% Cabernet Franc, with each varietal contributing to the wine's complex character and depth​.

The grapes for this wine come from carefully selected vineyards in Napa Valley, known for their unique micro-climates and soil compositions that contribute to the grapes' quality and flavor profile. The Petite Sirah hails from the southern part of Mount Veeder, influenced by the waters of San Pablo Bay. The Malbec is sourced from the Oak Knoll District, characterized by significant temperature swings between day and night, and the Cabernet Franc is from the northern edge of Mount Veeder, at 1,000 feet elevation, where the vines struggle against the rocky terrain, resulting in highly concentrated and flavorful grapes​.

Tasting notes for the "Tri Blend" describe it as having a very deep dark color, with aromas of cedar, cola, violets, and blackberry jam. The palate is described as big yet bright, with a nice dose of tannin and flavors that echo the nose, including blackberry, cola, sage, and black fruit jam. This wine is aged for 18 to 24 months in French and American oak barrels and is noted for being organically grown with minimal intervention in both the vineyard and cellar. Only 333 cases of this wine were crafted, and it is certified vegan by BevVeg​.

Wine Access describes the 2019 Tri Blend as elegant and seductive, with a vibrant ruby color and an aromatic profile led by plum, dark cherry, and licorice, complemented by a hint of herbal spice. The mouthfeel is juicy, leading to a lengthy finish adorned with velvet tannin. It's recommended to be enjoyed now through 2028.