Nose
A nose of boysenberry, violets, vanilla and an appealing hint of dust.
Palate
The velvety
palate reveals juicy red cherry and raspberry fruit, backed with an earthy kick, gripping structure, and fully integrated
oak. Distinctive dark, savory notes from the Petit Verdot highlight the lingering finish.
Growing Conditions
The 2014 growing season was the third in a string of stunning vintages in Napa Valley. Dry, mild temperatures brought
on early budbreak and harvest, while the persistent drought helped produce small berries with concentrated flavors and
elegant tannins. The overall length of the growing season was normal, allowing for full ripening and fresh, balanced
acidity. This year will be noted in local history for the earthquake that rocked Napa just days before harvest. Fortunately,
our winery and vineyard were safe, but the greater community was deeply impacted, and the event defined the entire
season.
Vineyard: Pahlmeyer Estate
Bottling
Bottled: May 5, 2015
Winemaking
Grape clusters were gravity-fed onto a vibrating table where two screens sifted out materials other than grapes, and we removed by hand any fruit that did not pass visual inspection. After gentle destemming, individual berries were hand-sorted again to ensure that only the best grapes were delivered to the fermenters. The fruit underwent five days of cold maceration and two to six weeks of primary fermentation before gentle basket press. We aged the wine in 85% new Seguin Moreau Icone and Taransaud French Oak barrels for 20 months.
Appearance
This wine has black amethyst color.
