Highflyer Centerline Red

Highflyer Centerline Red is a Napa Valley red blend at 14.8% ABV in a 750ml bottle, produced by Somerston Wine Co. Built on a distinctive four-grape foundation of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Zinfandel, this wine earned 89 points from Wine Enthusiast for its 2009 vintage — recognition of the blend's concentration and complexity.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.8%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Red Blend  |  Producer: Somerston Wine Co.

Production & Heritage

Somerston Wine Co. farms estate vineyards in Napa Valley's eastern hills, and the Highflyer label represents a selection of expressive, fruit-driven wines from the property. The Centerline Red blends 45% Petite Sirah, 30% Syrah, 18% Tempranillo, and 7% Zinfandel — a combination that is uncommon even by California's freewheeling blending standards. The Tempranillo component, rarely seen in Napa red blends, adds a savory structural backbone that distinguishes this wine from more conventional Rhône or Bordeaux-style blends in the region. Production for the 2009 vintage was limited to approximately 4,400 cases.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark ripe berries and pie spices rise first, followed by layers of cocoa, vanilla bean, and a subtle toastiness. The nose is generous and inviting without being heavy-handed.

Taste: The entry is plush with blackberry and cherry fruit, moving into red currant, mocha, and buttered cinnamon toast at mid-palate. Significant tannins provide structure, while crisp acidity keeps the wine balanced and lively despite the wine's full-bodied concentration.

Finish: The finish is smooth and velvety, with lingering dark berry and baking spice notes. Soft tannins allow the fruit and cocoa flavors to sustain without bitterness.

How to Drink Centerline Red

This wine is best served at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, to let the complex aromatics open without allowing the alcohol to dominate. Decanting for 30 minutes can soften the tannins further and reveal additional spice nuance. While primarily a food wine or a stand-alone sipper, its rich fruit profile makes it a strong base for a Kalimotxo if you lean adventurous with the Tempranillo angle, a compelling choice for a classic red wine Sangria where the spice notes add depth, or a seasonal mulled wine where the existing pie-spice character complements traditional warming spices.

Best For

• A weeknight dinner upgrade that doesn't require a special occasion
• Exploring an unusual Napa Valley blend that goes beyond Cabernet Sauvignon
• Hosting a blind tasting focused on unconventional California red blends
• Bringing a conversation-starting bottle to a barbecue or potluck dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Centerline Red taste like? Centerline Red delivers concentrated dark berry fruit — blackberry and cherry — alongside mocha, buttered cinnamon toast, and cocoa, framed by firm tannins and bright acidity. It is dry and full-bodied with a smooth, velvety finish.

How does Centerline Red compare to The Prisoner Red Blend? Both are California red blends that incorporate Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, but Centerline Red leans on Syrah and Tempranillo where The Prisoner uses Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Charbono. Centerline Red's Tempranillo component gives it a more savory, spice-driven character compared to The Prisoner's richer, more jam-forward profile.

Is Centerline Red good for sipping neat? Yes, its soft tannins, concentration of fruit, and layered spice make it a rewarding wine to drink on its own, especially after a brief decanting period.

Where is Centerline Red made? Centerline Red is produced by Somerston Wine Co. in Napa Valley, California, using fruit sourced from the estate's vineyards in the eastern hills of the appellation.

What foods pair well with Centerline Red? Grilled lamb chops work well with the wine's dark fruit and spice; slow-braised short ribs mirror its richness; hard aged cheeses like Manchego echo the Tempranillo element; wood-fired pizza with sausage and roasted peppers matches its full body; and dark chocolate desserts complement the cocoa and vanilla notes.

What sizes does Centerline Red come in? Highflyer Centerline Red is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Centerline Red worth the price? Centerline Red positions as an accessible, mid-range Napa Valley red blend that punches above its weight in complexity, particularly given the unusual four-varietal blend and its 89-point recognition from Wine Enthusiast.

Why Centerline Red?

The standout detail here is the blend itself: a 45% Petite Sirah, 30% Syrah, 18% Tempranillo, 7% Zinfandel composition that you rarely encounter from a Napa Valley producer. While most Napa red blends orbit around Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux varieties, Centerline Red draws from Rhône, Spanish, and Italian-heritage grapes to produce something genuinely different. The result is a wine with serious concentration and soft tannins — validated by its Wine Enthusiast 89-point score — that doesn't demand a special occasion to open. For drinkers looking to step outside the Napa Cabernet monoculture without leaving the valley, this is a bottle that rewards curiosity.