Provenance Vineyards PWAVE Red Blend

Provenance Vineyards PWAVE Red Blend is a bold, structured Napa Valley red wine blending seven grape varieties at 13.9% ABV in a 750ml bottle. What distinguishes this expression is its deliberate break from convention — built on a Bordeaux-heritage core of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, then layered with Syrah, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Touriga, and Cabernet Franc. The 2011 vintage earned Silver medals at the 2014 San Francisco International Wine Competition, the 2014 San Diego International Wine Competition, and the 2014 TEXSOM International Wine Awards.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Style: Red – Bold and Structured  |  Winery: Provenance Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Provenance Vineyards sources fruit from Napa Valley for PWAVE, a wine named for the way it "shakes up" traditional Bordeaux-style blending by incorporating varietals rarely seen together in California reds. The mashbill reads 42% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah, 9% Petite Sirah, 3% Tempranillo, 2% Touriga, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Production involves hand sorting and cold soaking of the berries, followed by extended skin contact, gentle pressing, in-barrel malolactic fermentation, and barrel aging with a portion of new oak. This layered winemaking approach builds structure while preserving the fruit-forward character each variety contributes.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright red-plum and raspberry, transitioning into deeper tones of black cherry and blackberry. Oak-driven spice threads through the fruit, adding complexity without overwhelming the aromatic core.

Taste: On entry, ripe plum and raspberry fruit dominate, giving way at mid-palate to a rich, concentrated layer of black cherry and blackberry. New oak barrels contribute warm baking spice, while the Syrah and Petite Sirah components add density and a savory, dark-fruit depth. Herbal nuances weave through the palate, adding an additional dimension of complexity.

Finish: The tannin structure is firm yet extremely supple, lending notable elegance to the close. Lingering notes of dark berry, spice, and subtle herbaceousness persist through a medium-to-long finish.

How to Drink PWAVE

PWAVE drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 20–30 minutes of breathing time, either poured into a wide-bowled glass or decanted to open up the layered fruit and spice. Its bold structure and fruit concentration also make it a strong base for wine-forward cocktails.

• Red Wine Sangria: The seven-grape complexity adds depth beyond what a single-varietal wine can provide, standing up to citrus and stone fruit additions.
• Kalimotxo: The firm tannins and dark berry profile balance the sweetness of cola in this Spanish classic.
• Mulled Wine: The existing baking spice from oak aging harmonizes naturally with cinnamon, clove, and star anise.

Best For

• Introducing adventurous wine drinkers to unconventional Napa Valley blends
• Pairing with a weekend barbecue or grilled red meat dinner
• Gifting to someone who enjoys bold reds but wants something beyond standard Cabernet
• Building out a California red wine collection with a distinctive multi-varietal expression

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PWAVE taste like? PWAVE delivers bright red-plum and raspberry fruit up front, moving into rich black cherry and blackberry with oak-driven spice and herbal nuances. The tannins are firm but supple, giving the wine a bold yet elegant profile.

How does PWAVE compare to a traditional Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blend? While conventional Napa Bordeaux blends typically rely on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, or Petit Verdot, PWAVE introduces Syrah, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, and Touriga into the mix. This results in a darker, more full-bodied wine with additional layers of savory depth and density.

Is PWAVE good for sipping neat? Yes — its balanced tannin structure and layered fruit make it well-suited for drinking on its own, particularly after 20–30 minutes of aeration in a decanter or wide glass.

Where is PWAVE made? PWAVE is produced by Provenance Vineyards in Napa Valley, California. The winery sources Napa Valley fruit and employs hands-on techniques including hand sorting, cold soaking, and in-barrel malolactic fermentation.

What foods pair well with PWAVE? Grilled lamb chops work well against the firm tannins and dark berry fruit. Braised short ribs complement the wine's rich, savory depth. Aged cheddar or Manchego cheese echoes the spice and structure. Mushroom risotto bridges the herbal nuances, and dark chocolate desserts mirror the wine's blackberry and oak-spice finish.

What sizes does PWAVE come in? PWAVE Red Blend is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is PWAVE worth the price? PWAVE positions as a mid-range Napa Valley red that delivers complexity beyond its price tier, thanks to the unusual seven-varietal blend and hands-on production methods including barrel aging and in-barrel malolactic fermentation.

Why PWAVE?

PWAVE earns its place in the Napa Valley red category by doing something most producers in the region avoid: blending Bordeaux-heritage grapes with Iberian and Rhône varietals in a single wine. The inclusion of Touriga and Tempranillo alongside Syrah and Petite Sirah creates a textural and aromatic profile that standard Cabernet-Merlot blends simply cannot achieve. Multiple Silver medals at major 2014 international competitions confirm that the unconventional approach translates into a finished wine with genuine quality. For drinkers looking beyond predictable California reds, PWAVE represents a credible and distinctive alternative rooted in serious Napa Valley winemaking.