Production Notes
BLEND COMPOSITION: 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petite Verdot, 12% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah, 8% Syrah, 6% Tempranillo, 3% Merlot; Aged 18 months in 100% French oak - 40% new, 60% second vintage
Winemaker Notes
Rich, luxurious and complex, this wine begins with alluring aromas of ripe cherry, red currant, cranberry and blueberry, along with sophisticated notes of sandalwood, clove, anise and black tea. On the palate, smooth, silky tannins underscore the lush black cherry and currant flavors, with hints of chocolate, spice and cracked pepper adding depth and nuance to the long, flowing finish.
Production
Winter rains were followed by a warm, dry spring in Napa Valley that led to a perfectly timed budbreak. With lovely weather throughout summer, all of our white varieties were harvested before a week-long heat event during the last week of August, resulting in Chardonnay and Viognier with excellent acids and enticing aromas. Because the early-season rains produced healthy canopies, our red grapes developed perfectly during the heat. After a timely cool-down that provided additional hangtime, our reds were harvested in September and early October, yielding bold and robust wines with beautifully polished tannins.