Newton The Puzzle 2002
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Parker
Robert -
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Spread across 120 planted acres on the steep hillsides of Spring Mountain, the Newton Vineyard Estate is comprised of over 112 distinctive vineyard blocks. The individual character of each parcel is the unique result of the diverse microclimates and soils created by the mountaintop's many contours and rugged terrain. The winery is designed to allow these small lots to be kept separate until the winemaker artfully assembles these unique parcels, like pieces of a puzzle, into the finest expression of the Spring Mountain Estate.
Expansive and luxurious, this full-bodied red re-invents itself with each taste. The wine opens with rich aromas of cassis and touches of raspberries, dark chocolate and kirsch cherries. On the palate, expect a velvety explosion of blackberries, raspberry liquor, black fig and dark cherry bolstered by ripe tannins. With time in the cellar, this multifaceted wine will continue to develop complexity and flavor.
Decanting this wine will allow its full power to unfold. The concentrated fruit found in The Puzzle makes it an exceptional companion to hearty dishes such as duck cassoulet, grilled venison with a cherry reduction sauce, or braised veal with protobello mushrooms. For dessert, try it with an elegant combination of chocolate and nuts such as chocolate mocha cake with a hazelnut sauce.
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Newton was founded in 1977 by English businessman Peter Newton and his Chinese wife Su Hua. Peter Newton was already renowned as a pioneer of winemaking in the Napa Valley, having founded the Sterling Winery near Calistoga in the 1960s. The Newtons transformed one square mile of rolling hillside in Spring Mountain into one of the Napa Valley’s most prestigious estates, whose wines have graced the official dinners of several US presidents.
The Newton estate encompasses 170 acres of prime Napa Valley terroir, distributed over four separate, wholly owned vineyards: Spring Mountain, Yountville, Mount Veeder and Carneros.
Newton is renowned for producing wines that are uniquely characterful expressions of varietals emblematic of the Napa Valley, notably Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Working patiently with nature, we are committed to precision viticulture and winemaking techniques yielding wines that are acclaimed for their balance, harmony and full, abundant flavors.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.