Winemaker Notes
This intense, inky-hued wine displays flamboyant aromas of crushed blackberries, dark chocolate, sandalwood and exotic floral notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom. In the mouth, it is deep, dark and densely brooding, as flavors of plum, mocha and licorice fill the palate, finishing with persistent mineral notes marked by remarkable sweetness and fine tannins. Winemaker Francoise Peschon notes: This luscious wine has layers and layers of flavor of black fruit and spices, with an underlying structure of supple tannins and gravelly finesse. It combines the heady wildness of the Syrah grape with the elegant terroir of the Eisele Vineyard in a compelling, sensuous and complete wine.
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.