Growing Conditions

Our Syrah grows along the eastern slope of Atlas Peak in Napa, on an isolated vineyard composed of gravelly, volcanic soil and surrounded by lush California wilderness. Positioned above the fog line at an elevation of 1600 ft., the east and southeast-facing site sees cool morning sun followed by shade from the bright afternoon heat provided by the ridgeline.

SOIL TYPE: Volcanic tuff, alluvial gravelly loam

Harvest

A dry, warm winter encourages an early start to the season, with bud break in mid-February. The rainy spring that followed reduced the yields to small, concentrated berries but August head spikes prompted our earliest harvest yet.

Winemaking

Even for this bigger style of mountain Cabernet, our approach to winemaking remains consistent--fruit is harvested when sugar levels are low to balance the wine’s powerful structure and depth with a light layer of brightness. Our limited production is vinified in steel and aged in oak barrels until ready for allocation.