2022 Painted Fields Curse of Knowledge Cabernet Sauvignon, Sierra Foothills
94 Points, Tasting Panel Magazine
Curse of Knowledge strives to change perceptions of Sierra Foothills wine. Our high-quality, well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon is created by blending Cabernet Franc and Merlot. It shows an intense ruby color that will captivate your senses, along with a sensational bouquet of dried violet, black cherry, fresh herbs, and cocoa powder. The velvety tannins create a generous and round, balanced mid-palate, followed by a lingering finish of dark berries and black licorice. Enjoy now to experience the brightness of the wine, or age it in your cellar to enhance its flavors.
Specs
Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc
Vineyards: Andis Estate, Rancho Victoria, Twin Oaks Vineyard, Hawk Creek Vineyard
Harvest Date: From September 14 to October 25
Soils/Elevation: Granitic, Sandy Loam, and Volcanic, Between 1500 ft to 3200 ft
Fermentation: 16 to 21 days in open top fermenters with AM/PM pump over
Aging: 14 months in French Oak Barrels, 25% New
Cases: 5500
RS: 0.3 g/L
pH: 3.78
Alcohol: 14.4%
2022 Painted Fields Sierra Côtes Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre, Sierra Foothills
90 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
Sierra Côtes, meaning the “Slopes of Sierra,” is an excellent representation of the mountain fruit cultivated throughout our wine region. The region experiences hot days and cooler nights, creating a perfect Mediterranean microclimate for delicate Rhone-style grapes like Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. This climate allows the grapes to ripen ideally on the vine while retaining their acidity. The wine exhibits spicy notes of licorice, nutmeg, and crushed granite alongside a juicy yet briskly balanced flavor marked by a mineral lift.
Specs
Blend: 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre
Vineyards: Andis Estate, Rancho Victoria, Starfield, Bailey, Kapela
Harvest Date: From September 2 to October 8
Soils / Elevation: Granitic, Sandy Loam, and Volcanic Between 1400 ft & 3200 ft
Fermentation 16 days in open top fermenters with AM/PM pump over
Aging: 14 months in French Oak Barrels, 25% NEW
Cases 1110
RS 0.3 g/L
pH 3.81
Alcohol: 14.0%
2022 Painted Fields Old Vine Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills
92 Points, Wine Spectator
The wine is a tribute to the farmers who have held on to Zinfandel vineyards for decades and, in some cases, for over a century. The wine is made from various old vineyards in the Sierra Foothills region, carefully selected to create an elegant red wine similar to the ones produced in the early days before Zinfandel became a jammy fruit bomb. It is a well-balanced, layered, and seamless wine that offers tons of fresh blackberry and raspberry flavors with a bracing texture of fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.
Specs
Blend 90% Zinfandel, 5% Barbera & 5% Petite Sirah
Vineyards: Andis Estate, Old Massoni Ranch, Renwood Ranch, Di Stasio, Esola Vineyard
Harvest Date: From September 2 to October 8
Soils / Elevation: Granitic, and Sandy Loam, Between 1400 ft & 1800 ft
Fermentation: 16 days in open top fermenters with AM/PM pump over
Aging: 14 months in French Oak Barrels, 25% NEW
Cases 2209
RS 1.2 g/L
pH 3.75
Alcohol: 14.6%
What’s Included
6-bottles:
2x - 2022 Painted Fields Curse of Knowledge Cabernet Sauvignon, Sierra Foothills
2x - 2022 Painted Fields Sierra Côtes Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre, Sierra Foothills
2x - 2022 Painted Fields Old Vine Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills
Case:
4x - 2022 Painted Fields Curse of Knowledge Cabernet Sauvignon, Sierra Foothills
4x - 2022 Painted Fields Sierra Côtes Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre, Sierra Foothills
4x - 2022 Painted Fields Old Vine Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills
Painted Fields is an expression of the hard work behind Andis Wines critically acclaimed winemaking team, led by consultants Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky; in partnership with viticulturist and winemaker, Mark Fowler and Lorenzo Muslia. All with one mission in mind. To craft unique wines that cultivate a distinct sense of place. A tribute to the land’s heritage and the visionary grape growers who originally planted roots on the diverse soils of the Sierra Foothills. All our wines are Estate Produced and Bottled.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Painted Fields Mixed Reds - $30 = 15.00%
Well, almost didn’t get this bottle as it was shipped to my old address, but thankfully Terry was able to get it redirected to me and it arrived in plenty of time.
I received the bottle of Sierra Côtes
Didn’t take any pictures this go around, so apologies to everyone, but if you want some I can take some this evening.
Pop and pour
Rube red and translucent in the glass. Characteristic CdP or similar color
Muted nose - maybe some strawberry or rhubarb, but not much to go off of
On taste, young cherry, tart, astringent, unpleasant aftertaste, lingering, mouth puckering, I also wrote down “stank face” as that’s exactly what my expression was giving. This is not something I would pop open and drink immediately.
I left the bottle open on the counter to come back to later.
A few hours later
The nose has opened up some, giving the characteristic “meat juice” that I occasionally get from a syrah or grenache, which is not an unpleasant thing. Some cherry as well.
Mouthfeel has gotten much smoother, some tannins present, rich flavor and the puckering has moved further to the end. Not a lot of distinct flavors, but this has all the characteristics I expect from a rhone blend and fairly well put together.
Overall, the wine turned out well, but give it lots of time breathing or cellaring to smooth it out.
I’ll try it again tonight for science and report back. I didn’t get most of the notes they mention, but unless prominent, I rarely can pick out “spice” flavors.
I’d put this at a $30-40 MSRP and a $15 casemates price so it looks like I’m just about spot on.
lab rat…unfortunately not reporting so no banner (hopefully, it will happen later today)
UPS apparently tried to deliver while we were home but somehow we were marked as unavailable. We were then told we could pick it up Saturday afternoon, then today by 1pm. No one seems to know where it is now … I haven’t lost hope yet.
y’all are probably all over this by now, but the Tasting Panel notes on the Cabernet:
Melded with 8% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, the team of Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitsky have the talent to smooth out a Sierra Foothills Cab with supreme elegance, aging this wine in (25% new) French oak for 14 months. Mountain garrigue intensifies with licorice-kissed boysenberries and mocha-cherry cedar. Plush and energetic, with concentrated floral tones, the ripest blue fruit and a fine acid structure. 1/1/26
jebdunnuck.com on the Cabernet
88 points. From high-elevation sites, the velvety 2022 Painted Fields Curse of Knowledge is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, including from Andis Estate, with smaller amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It has a sappy, cedar, sage, and herbal undercurrent with subtle red fruit and medium-bodied weight, balanced in both acidity and oak. The power is understated too. Aging happened over 14 months in French oak, 25% new. Drink now through 2030 Virginie Boone 9/11/25
The Zin, Wine Enthusiast:
91 points. Sassy, dense aromas of black currant and sarsaparilla peppered with creamed orange sherbet fill the nose, a smattering of cracked black pepper, and juicy grippy tannins and citrus zest on the finish. Decant and Enjoy with charcuterie and dried fruits — Tonya Pitts 7/1/25
Zin, Spectator:
92 points. Sleek and elegantly structured, with vibrant and fragrant cherry, raspberry, briar patch and spice accents that zip along the bright, zesty finish. Drink now through 2032. 2,209 cases made. Tim Fish 8/31/25
Zin, Suckling:
A rich, structured red from a region famous for its zinfandel. A firm texture of moderate tannins and good acidity supports flavors of blackberries, black cherries, hints of iron and wood smoke. Good focus, concentration and acid balance. Drink now. 7/25
The Cotes, Spectator:
87 points. Simple and direct, with easy-going cherry and raspberry flavors, plus suave tannins. Finishes with a twist of vanilla. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now. 1,110 cases made. Aaron Romano 7/7/25
Cotes, Suckling:
This soft, easy, fruity and spicy wine is a California version of a Cotes du Rhone. This blend of syrah, grenache and mourvedre grapes is rich in raspberries, blackberries, chocolate and roast beef flavors on a full body backed by light tannins. Drink now. 6/25
@kaolis oh, cotes, Dunnuck:
90 points. Rhône-inspired, the 2022 Painted Fields Sierra Cotes is blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 30% Mourvèdre, some of the grapes coming from Starfield in nearby El Dorado County. Offering tremendous value, the acidity is balanced and helps freshen the medium-bodied weight and 14 months in 25% new French oak. Black cherry is the star, finding hints of mountain sage, lavender, and earthy mushroom. It’s quite delicious. Enjoy through 2030. Virginie Boone 9/11/25
2022 Painted Fields Curse of Knowledge Cabernet Sauvignon, Sierra Foothills
94 Points, Tasting Panel Magazine
Specs
2022 Painted Fields Sierra Côtes Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre, Sierra Foothills
90 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
Specs
2022 Painted Fields Old Vine Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills
92 Points, Wine Spectator
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$400.00/Case for 4x 2022 Painted Fields Curse of Knowledge Cabernet Sauvignon, Sierra Foothills + 4x 2022 Painted Fields Sierra Côtes Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre, Sierra Foothills + 4x 2022 Painted Fields Old Vine Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills at Andis Wines
About The Winery
More About The Wine on YouTube
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Thursday, Mar 5 - Monday, Mar 9
Painted Fields Mixed Reds
6 bottles for $99.99 $16.67/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $169.99 $14.17/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2022 Painted Fields Curse of Knowledge Cabernet Sauvignon
2022 Painted Fields Sierra Côtes Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre
2022 Painted Fields Old Vine Zinfandel
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Painted Fields Mixed Reds - $30 = 15.00%
Love their stuff but haven’t had it in a long time. Waiting for some rats.
Well, almost didn’t get this bottle as it was shipped to my old address, but thankfully Terry was able to get it redirected to me and it arrived in plenty of time.
I received the bottle of Sierra Côtes
Didn’t take any pictures this go around, so apologies to everyone, but if you want some I can take some this evening.
Pop and pour
Rube red and translucent in the glass. Characteristic CdP or similar color
Muted nose - maybe some strawberry or rhubarb, but not much to go off of
On taste, young cherry, tart, astringent, unpleasant aftertaste, lingering, mouth puckering, I also wrote down “stank face” as that’s exactly what my expression was giving. This is not something I would pop open and drink immediately.
I left the bottle open on the counter to come back to later.
A few hours later
The nose has opened up some, giving the characteristic “meat juice” that I occasionally get from a syrah or grenache, which is not an unpleasant thing. Some cherry as well.
Mouthfeel has gotten much smoother, some tannins present, rich flavor and the puckering has moved further to the end. Not a lot of distinct flavors, but this has all the characteristics I expect from a rhone blend and fairly well put together.
Overall, the wine turned out well, but give it lots of time breathing or cellaring to smooth it out.
I’ll try it again tonight for science and report back. I didn’t get most of the notes they mention, but unless prominent, I rarely can pick out “spice” flavors.
I’d put this at a $30-40 MSRP and a $15 casemates price so it looks like I’m just about spot on.
lab rat…unfortunately not reporting so no banner (hopefully, it will happen later today)
UPS apparently tried to deliver while we were home but somehow we were marked as unavailable. We were then told we could pick it up Saturday afternoon, then today by 1pm. No one seems to know where it is now … I haven’t lost hope yet.
@birdbrains no luck, it still hasn’t shown up despite speaking with them everyday. sorry for the failed ratting
y’all are probably all over this by now, but the Tasting Panel notes on the Cabernet:
Melded with 8% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, the team of Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitsky have the talent to smooth out a Sierra Foothills Cab with supreme elegance, aging this wine in (25% new) French oak for 14 months. Mountain garrigue intensifies with licorice-kissed boysenberries and mocha-cherry cedar. Plush and energetic, with concentrated floral tones, the ripest blue fruit and a fine acid structure. 1/1/26
jebdunnuck.com on the Cabernet
88 points. From high-elevation sites, the velvety 2022 Painted Fields Curse of Knowledge is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, including from Andis Estate, with smaller amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It has a sappy, cedar, sage, and herbal undercurrent with subtle red fruit and medium-bodied weight, balanced in both acidity and oak. The power is understated too. Aging happened over 14 months in French oak, 25% new. Drink now through 2030 Virginie Boone 9/11/25
The Zin, Wine Enthusiast:
91 points. Sassy, dense aromas of black currant and sarsaparilla peppered with creamed orange sherbet fill the nose, a smattering of cracked black pepper, and juicy grippy tannins and citrus zest on the finish. Decant and Enjoy with charcuterie and dried fruits — Tonya Pitts 7/1/25
Zin, Spectator:
92 points. Sleek and elegantly structured, with vibrant and fragrant cherry, raspberry, briar patch and spice accents that zip along the bright, zesty finish. Drink now through 2032. 2,209 cases made. Tim Fish 8/31/25
Zin, Suckling:
A rich, structured red from a region famous for its zinfandel. A firm texture of moderate tannins and good acidity supports flavors of blackberries, black cherries, hints of iron and wood smoke. Good focus, concentration and acid balance. Drink now. 7/25
The Cotes, Spectator:
87 points. Simple and direct, with easy-going cherry and raspberry flavors, plus suave tannins. Finishes with a twist of vanilla. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now. 1,110 cases made. Aaron Romano 7/7/25
Cotes, Suckling:
This soft, easy, fruity and spicy wine is a California version of a Cotes du Rhone. This blend of syrah, grenache and mourvedre grapes is rich in raspberries, blackberries, chocolate and roast beef flavors on a full body backed by light tannins. Drink now. 6/25
fwiw
@kaolis oh, cotes, Dunnuck:
90 points. Rhône-inspired, the 2022 Painted Fields Sierra Cotes is blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 30% Mourvèdre, some of the grapes coming from Starfield in nearby El Dorado County. Offering tremendous value, the acidity is balanced and helps freshen the medium-bodied weight and 14 months in 25% new French oak. Black cherry is the star, finding hints of mountain sage, lavender, and earthy mushroom. It’s quite delicious. Enjoy through 2030. Virginie Boone 9/11/25