Castlevale excels at one wine,
Defender.
The original concept was for the wine to be a field blend. In other words the grapes were decided upon in the field by the winemaker and then picked to order. It takes a talented winemaker to visualize and then make a perfect blend from prechosen grapes.
As of 2022 Defender is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
2017 Defender Cabernet Sauvignon
Blend: 34% field blend of Malbec and Petit Verdot, 66% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 15.3%
Notes:
On the nose: earthy, raspberry, cherry, blackberry, lilac, violet, rose, with a hint of dark cacao.
On the palate: soft supple tannins with a forest floor, cherry, raspberry note with soft acidity, and a long finish of lilac and violet.
Pricing: $95 per 750 retail
2018 Defender Cabernet Sauvignon
Blend: 7% Petit Verdot, 22% Malbec, 71% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 15.3%
Notes:
On the nose: cherry cola, dark chocolate, bittersweet chocolate afterwards, with a hint of tobacco leaf, vanilla, and violet.
On the palate: cherry, raspberry, brighter and more zesty acid, with tannins more pronounced but not overpowering the fruit.
Pricing: $95 per 750 retail
2019 Defender Cabernet Sauvignon
Blend: Comprised of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Malbec and Merlot
Alcohol: 15.3%
Notes:
On the nose: raspberry, red cherry, black cherry, blackberry, red and black currant, hints of green tea leaf, butterscotch, and savory and baking spices.
On the palate: creamy soft tannins, with body and vibrant acidity. The aromas follow through in the palate, notes of butter scotch, dark cocoa, green and black tea leaf, raspberry and red currant, with subtle notes of plum, blackberry and butterscotch.
Pricing: $95 per 750 retail
