Blending trials for Machete are amongst the favorite for each vintage. A Petite Sirah-based wine, the trial tastings leave everyone with purple teeth and a puckered palate. It can also be the most exhausting. However, after various tastings and blend iterations, Machete is true to the style of being approachable for the highly tannic and visceral varietal. Prominent vineyards across the state make up the blend including the Frei Ranch, Barrelli, Snows Lake, Monte Rosso, Dark Horse, Stones Throw, Zaca Mesa and Summerwind vineyards.

A dark mauve core with a neon purple rim, the wine stains everything. Opening aromatics on Machete are gorgeous immediately: ripe pluot, carne asada, new cowboy boots, lilacs, espresso bean and wet concrete. On the palate, layers upon layers reveal themselves, from a plum galette topped with fior di latte gelato to 85% cacao dark chocolate to barbequed tri-tip and sweet oak. Puckering tannins to finish, the wine closes on a high note with a touch of blood orange zest and lingering acidity.