Harvest
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 cooldown that provided additional hangtime, our reds were harvested in September and early October, yielding bold and robust wines with beautifully polished tannins.
Winemaking
Beautifully lush and expansive, this wine begins with radiant red berry aromas that leap from the glass. As it evolves, notes of sweet hay, dried flowers, earth and graham crackers add depth and intrigue. On the palate, rich, supple tannins and creamy hints of oak underscore the generous cherry, cassis and cream soda flavors, carrying the wine to a long silky finish.
Aging
Aged 18 months in 100% French oak, 50% new.