Winemaker Notes
The deep ruby red color is an initial clue as to the power of this wine. The nose exhibits a delicate balance between primary fruit and rich, meaty, savory notes. A deep, black cherry aroma intermingles with subtle blackberry, cassis, roasted meat, wet earth and Provençal herb notes. The wine is creamy and mouthfilling on entry with a strong cola impression at midpalate that leads to vanilla and tar on the long, broad, red cherry finish.
The bold flavors of a slow-roasted rosemary and garlic pork loin will highlight the wine's red fruit components while standing up to its rich flavors. As a side dish, a mushroom and pancetta ragout provides earth flavors and fat that will accentuate the earthiness of the wine and balance its firm structure.
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.