Hertelendy Audēre Red Blend 2019

Napa Valley, California | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Bordeaux Varieties

Bold, luxurious and beautifully structured, Hertelendy Audēre Red Blend 2019 is a small-production Napa Valley wine that combines the richness of California fruit with the complexity and structure of a classic Bordeaux-inspired blend. Crafted by Hertelendy Vineyards, Audēre draws on premium vineyard sources, including the estate's Rockwell Ridge vineyard, as well as fruit from Atlas Peak and Pritchard Hill.

The wine opens with expressive aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant and ripe blueberry, layered with violet, sweet spice, dried herbs and graphite. On the palate, concentrated dark fruit unfolds alongside notes of leather, tobacco, mocha and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and richly textured, it offers beautifully polished yet substantial tannins, balanced acidity and a long, supple finish.

Critic Scores & Recognition

94 Points — International Wine Report
93 Points — Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points — James Suckling

What Makes It Special?

Audēre is a distinctive Napa Valley red blend that gives Merlot equal billing with Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a compelling combination of plush fruit, structure and complexity.

The blend brings together fruit from Hertelendy's Rockwell Ridge estate vineyard, planted in 1993 at approximately 1,365 feet in elevation, along with select sites in Atlas Peak and Pritchard Hill. These vineyard sources contribute depth, structure and distinctive mountain-grown character.

An especially fun detail for collectors and gift buyers: the Audēre label glows in the dark, giving this serious, highly rated wine a playful twist.

Winemaking

The 2019 vintage was harvested between September 27 and October 24. The wine was aged for 23 months in French and Hungarian oak, with 90% new oak, building layers of spice, texture and complexity while supporting the wine's concentrated fruit and firm tannic structure.

Only approximately 353 cases were produced, making this a limited-production Napa Valley selection.

Wine Details

• Producer: Hertelendy Vineyards

• Wine: Audēre Red Blend

• Vintage: 2019

• Region: Napa Valley, California

• Blend: 43% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot

• Alcohol: 14.6%

• Aging: 23 months in French and Hungarian oak

• New Oak: 90%

• Production: Approximately 353 cases

• Serving Temperature: 60–64°F (16–18°C)

• Decanting: Approximately 1 hour before serving

Perfect With

Grilled ribeye, filet mignon, Beef Wellington, lamb chops, braised short ribs, pork tenderloin, hearty lasagna, wild mushrooms and aged cheeses. Its richness and polished tannins make it particularly suited to grilled meats and savory dishes.