Nose
The wine opens with rich aromas of black tea and tobacco with a hint of minerality.
Palate
Jammy flavors of Bing cherry, mulberry and plum are balanced with an earthy characteristic. This soft approachable wine has a plush mid-palate and a lingering finish.
Growing Conditions
Vintners are using words like "quality", "depth of flavor" and "excellent" to describe the 2014 vintage in Napa Valley. Many also noted "perfect weather", "abundant crop" and "good fortune".
Harvest
Harvest started and ended earlier than usual. The first grapes for sparkling wine picked on July 30 and nearly all harvest activity was completed by the third week in October - for many, a full two weeks ahead of the normal harvest schedule.
We used Cabernet grapes from three unique appelations resulting in a fun and diverse wine to make. The blend is comprised of fruit from the Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Lake County. The fruit from Napa Valley provides the fullest expression of black fruits and integrated tannins; Sonoma County's fog influence produces grapes that give the wine structure, balance and acidity; Lake County's growing season is short, making for red, jammy wines that are easy to enjoy. Small amounts of Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc were added before bottling to provide depth and structure to the final blend.
Aging
Aged for 10 months in neutral French oak barrels.
