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
Balancing luxurious opulence with a stately sophistication, this wine begins with dramatic aromas of blueberry, brown sugar, cigar box and sweet tobacco leaf, as well as hints of anise and dark chocolate. Complex and richly layered, the palate offers velvety tannins that accentuate the rich blueberry and black cherry flavors, with notes of fresh-baked bread, cocoa nibs, cedar and white peppercorns adding to a long, fascinating finish.
Aging
Aged 18 months in 100% French oak 70% new.