Chip Lyeth, founder of Lyeth Winery was an adventuresome spirit, who was the son of a Colorado banker whose passion for winemaking and grape growing grew out of a 1972 family trip to Bordeaux, France. It was this visit to the wine country in France that Chips passion for blended wines became firmly rooted. His education into Bordeaux blends became an obsession. The next year (1973) Chip bought the 285-acre Brignole Ranch in the Alexander Valley and studied winemaking and viticulture at UC Davis. The winery was built in 1978 and Chip produced his first wines there in 1982. His wines received instant acclaim from critics who characterized Lyeths' wines as Bordeaux-style blends. In 1988, Chip teamed up with several other winemakers; including Bill Arbios, Lyeths' winemaker, who celebrated the Bordeaux tradition of blending varietals and created the Meritage Association. The philosophy is the blend must be created with only "noble" Bordeaux varieties – by creating standards, only high-quality wineries would produce Meritage labels; thus, elevating the status of blended wines. The spirit of Chip Lyeth carries on with each vintage as a homage to the American ideal, as it was not popular in the early days to eliminate the varietal designation on the label; in fact, it was a revolutionary act at that time in the wine industry. The same spirited character and quality exist today in our Lyeth Sonoma County and California Red Wine and Cabernet Sauvignon. Chip would be proud to see the results of his risk-taking still alive and well in the heart of California wine country.
"The 2019 Lyeth California Cabernet Sauvignon has a touch of Petit Verdot for added layers of depth and complexity of flavor. A deep crimson in
Tasting Notes In the glass, this Lyeth California Red Wine opens with red fruit aromas and notes of espresso and vanilla bean. Raspberry, dark cherry and
This is a complex wine with enticing aromas that are immediately evident upon opening the bottle. Deep crimson in color, the wine spreads across the
This is a complex wine with enticing aromas that are immediately evident as it pours from the bottle to the glass. Deep crimson in color,
The Merlot is dark ruby in color and features aroma of dried red fruits and herbs that mingle delicately with complex notes of wild berry
" This is a complex wine with enticing aromas that are immediately evident upon opening the bottle. Deep crimson in color, the wine spreads across
"This wine's blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot contributes to its unique flavor. Complex flavors of bing cherry and spice dominate
"California’s North Coast provides the stable, mild climate that is perfect for the production of premium Merlot. We source our grapes from throughout this
"This wine's blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot contributes to its unique flavor. Complex flavors of bing cherry and spice dominate
Wine Enthusiast 89 "Really impressive at this price for its depth of flavor and overall balance. Dry and elegantly constructed, it shows extravagant flavors of blackberries,
Wine Enthusiast 87 "This smooth, lush Cabernet is brimming with blackberry, black currant, blueberry cedar and spice flavors. It’s classic Cabernet. You’ll find quite a scour
"This wine's blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot contributes to its unique flavor. Complex flavors of bing cherry and spice dominate
Wine Enthusiast 85 Empire Wine Best Buy "This is a sweet, oaky Chardonnay, made to appeal to the modern palate. It has sugary pineapple, green apple, pear,
End of item list