The co-founders behind Archeus are doctors Donn Hogan and Erik Geiger, pals from medical school who share a genuine camaraderie that includes the discovery of great wine.
They were captivated early on in their winery project with the terroir of Red Mountain and enlisted winemaker and consultant Charlie Hoppes (Fidelitas Wines) to help them define their wine niche.
Archeus’ stated goal is to stand apart from other Red Mountain brands by paying close attention to different varietal clones, yeast strains, Bordeaux varietal blends and barrel treatment, all which play a role in the finished wines.
These latest small-lot releases are indicative of this boutique producer’s commitment to excellence and their quest to bottle expressive, finely-crafted wines from premium Red Mountain fruit.
The wines are available online at www.archeuswines.com.
Archeus 2015 “Saint Stephen” Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, $48
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
This rich and well-sculpted Cabernet is powerful and expressive of the appellation, welling with muscular tannins and generous depth. Aged 22 months in French oak, the palate offers concentrated flavors of cassis, blackberry and loamy earth deftly layered with cocoa, fennel, dustry sage and notes of black olive. Elegant, yet bold, this red wine holds its focus through the extended aftertaste.
Archeus 2015 “Native Hand” Red Mountain Syrah, $38
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (90 pts.)
Velvety and broad, with lavish crushed blackberry, boysenberry and floral violet flavors that meld with distinctive accents of smoky caramel, cocoa, clove and vanilla. Complex, ending with bass notes of sage and cedar along with firm integrated tannins that lend depth to the juicy finish.