Probably the most important conclusion learned from the 25 years of difficult research performed by winemaker Dan Gatlin was the importance and influence of high mineralities on wine quality in Texas. Certainly the French have known of this for centuries, since countless books and writings have focused on terroir, the French term for influence of the earth. Certainly, Mr. Gatlin's experience as a wine buyer in his early career alerted him to the pivotal importance of this as well. But what would become the extreme impact of minerality on Texas wines in particular was still hard to imagine. The crucial role that mineralities play, particularly calcium, in high-mineral winemaking can fill an encyclopedia. It's addition of anti-oxidants have altered the history of winemaking for centuries. It is at the heart of why famous wine writers recommend cellaring the great Bordeaux for decades versus much lesser times for California wines. It is at the heart of the entire varietal system and explains why Cabernet in the valleys of Northern California can generate fat, jammy textures while Cabernet in Bordeaux is like gravel. And finally, it is at the heart of why the French famously BLEND their Cabernet versus selling unblended (or slightly blended) fruit-juicy Cabernet Sauvignon as a varietal. In short, high-mineral Cabernet must be blended, and Inwood's vocal assertions that following the European prescripts for which varieties need blending and with what have precipitated much disagreement and controversy over the last three years. Inwood's assertions that following the European traditions will yield the best quality wines in Texas have not been well received by those who envision Texas as some sort of undiscovered California. Against that background, Inwood now releases its first submission into the world of Cabernet. True to the winery's beliefs, the "Magellan" is a highly blended, true Bordeaux-style wine being about 68% Cabernet with all the traditional blenders: Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc. In deference to Inwood's reputation as a Tempranillo producer, and to ever-so-slightly put a signature on this blend, the wine contains a small amount of Tempranillo as well.

The "Magellan" Bordeaux Blend

2006 (First Release)

The 2006 "Magellan" exhibits authentic Bordeaux character with earthy aromas of "forest-floor" and cedar, the faintly evergreen backdrop for the complex dark-fruit mixture that is generated by the blend of traditional varieties.

This is an investment-grade wine that will live and improve for decades. It is very tannic and very rich in anti-oxidants, and will change year after year as it slowly unveils its layers of complexity.