Steltzner Claret 2007
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Color; dark ruby fading to purple/black.
On the nose; notes of earth and minerals mix with the core dark fruit aromas of plums and black cherries. There are also hints of cedar, baking spices and some cola aromas.
On the palate, the characteristics that were apparent in the nose show nicely as flavors in the mouth. There is a nicely balanced acidity to the wine as it shows the layers of dark cherry and plum fruit. These are supported by some earthy and mineral flavors, with hints of cola. There is the nice vanilla/cedar/oak component from the small French oak barrels used for aging. There are pretty dry tannins throughout that are well integrated and provide a long, satisfying finish. This is a well balanced and supple wine that is meant to be enjoyed upon release but can benefit from some short term cellar aging.
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.