Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2005 Proprietary Red Madrona Ranch is probably dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, but there is significant Cabernet Franc in it as well, which is also the case for its sibling, the Thorevilos. The Madrona Ranch, of course, comes from the back foothills of St. Helena, heading toward Spring Mountain. A beautiful, dense opaque purple color and notes of espresso roast, chocolate, cedar wood, blackcurrants and forest floor are all present in this deep, layered, full-bodied beauty. Majestic and built like a skyscraper, with stunningly well-integrated acidity, wood, alcohol and tannin, this wine is still incredibly youthful at age 10 and promises to continue to evolve for at least another 15-25 years. It is a beauty and another great example of this terroir tucked away in the back streets of St. Helena.
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.