Region
Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Accolades
A small-production red blend from Vena Cava, crafted in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe by winemaker Phil Gregory
A distinctive five-variety blend of 25% Syrah, 25% Cabernet, 19% Petite Sirah, 17% Zinfandel, and 14% Grenache
Aged for 13 months in French and American oak, bringing together ripe fruit, spice, and earthy complexity while maintaining freshness and soft tannins
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby red in the glass, the 2021 Vena Cava Big Blend opens with ripe blackberry, plum, and fig, layered with warm spice and subtle earthy notes.
The palate is smooth and medium-bodied, with generous dark fruit, soft tannins, and medium-to-high acidity providing freshness and balance.
Rich without feeling overly heavy, this is an expressive Valle de Guadalupe red with ripe fruit at its center and enough structure and acidity to make it especially versatile at the table.
Winemaker Notes
Aromas
Ripe blackberry and plum
Fig, warm spice, and earthy notes
Palate
Smooth, ripe dark fruit
Medium-bodied with soft tannins
Fresh, medium-to-high acidity
Finish
Smooth and fruit-driven
Lingering spice and earthy character
The 2021 Big Blend brings together Syrah, Cabernet, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Grenache, five varieties that contribute different layers of fruit, structure, spice, and freshness to the finished wine.
The wine is aged for 13 months in a combination of French and American oak, adding complexity to its ripe fruit profile while maintaining the approachable character of the blend.
Crafted by winemaker Phil Gregory in Valle de Guadalupe, the Big Blend offers an introduction to the distinctive red wines emerging from Baja California wine country.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Pair with grilled steak, carne asada, braised beef, hearty stews, or spicy dishes. The wine's ripe dark fruit, soft tannins, and bright acidity also make it an excellent match for cheese and charcuterie boards. These pairings closely follow the winery's recommendations of grilled red meats, stews, spicy foods, and cheese platters.
For something more casual, open a bottle alongside smoky barbecue, burgers, or a richly topped pizza.
Why We Love It
The 2021 Vena Cava Big Blend represents an important part of the North American wine story we want to explore at Kascadia — one that extends south to Valle de Guadalupe and the emerging wines of Mexico.
Valle de Guadalupe has its own identity at the table, and Big Blend offers an inviting place to begin. Rather than relying on a single grape variety, the wine brings together Syrah, Cabernet, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Grenache in a distinctly unconventional blend.
The result is generous but balanced: ripe blackberry, plum, and fig meet spice and earth, while soft tannins and vibrant acidity keep the wine composed and food-friendly.
Thirteen months in French and American oak adds another layer of complexity without taking away from the dark-fruited character at the heart of the wine.
It is precisely the kind of bottle we want to bring to Kascadia: a wine that expands the conversation about what North American wine can be and where it can come from.
From British Columbia and California to Baja California, we're continuing to seek out wines with a strong sense of place and a story worth bringing to the table.
COMING SOON TO KASCADIA WINE MERCHANTS
