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
Both complex and compelling, this Cabernet Franc-dominated blend begins with fascinating aromas of red currant, graphite, dried cherry, cocoa powder and toasty marshmallow, along with underlying hints of black pepper, clove, leather and earthy forest floor. On the palate, lush, juicy tannins and a voluptuous core of berry pie, cranberry and currant flavors draw this wine to a rich berry and spice finish.
Aging
Aged 18 months in 100% French oak, 50% new.