The Arsenal is our "big gun" that we hold "in reserve." Inspired by the wines of Bordeaux, especially the Cabenet Franc and Merlot based ones of the right bank, we first made this wine in 2006, when I found that one lot of Cabernet Franc was greatly aided by a judicious blending of Merlot from the Layne Vineyard. The resulting wine was rich, structured and substantial.
Today, we use fruit from the Layne, Mae's and Castellano Vineyards to intentionally make a wine that honors the traditions of Bordeaux, while remaining distingly Applegate. The 2022 is one of my favorite releases, it has mid palate plushness and richness that we get from warm, long vintages like we had in 2022.
Cabernet Franc 49%, Merlot 13%, Malbec 14%, Cabernet Sauvignon 24%
