Winemaker Notes

This blend of Merlot (76%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (24%) represents our second bottling of our California Claret. It was made to be a medium bodied red that is easy to drink and can be enjoyed by itself or with a wide array of foods. Bright fruit aromas reminiscent of blueberries and orange blossoms with hints of cedar and pepper notes are readily evident in the nose. It has a soft pleasing entry and a rich mouth feel with flavors that mimic the aromas enhanced by a touch of oak. It could even be slightly chilled and enjoyed on a warm afternoon.

This wine pairs nicely with lighter meats like chicken and pork. The Claret is a lighter bodied red that can go with a variety of pastas with light sauces and can even pair well with barbequed items.

Andretti

Andretti

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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.

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