Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
There are about 200 cases of the sensational 2013 Proprietary Red, a blend of 73% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and a small dollop of Petit Verdot. It boasts a dense purple color along with notes of acacia flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, forest floor, incense and graphite. This deep, dense, pure, impressively endowed, full-bodied 2013 should drink well for 10-15 years.
Range: (92-94) -
James Suckling
A solid and beautiful red with focus and texture. Full body, refined and polished tannins. Dusty mouthfeel. Attractive dark fruits and chocolate powder. Drink or hold.
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.