Winemaker Notes
Warm blackberry pie, candied violets and an exotic mixture of allspice, anise and wild herbs introduce 2017 Signature Shiraz. The seamless and silky mid-palate, highlighted by Italian espresso and bright persimmon, is at once fresh, vibrant, rich, and complex. Refined, integrated tannins lead to a mouthwatering finish of savory smoked pancetta, saddle leather and dusty baker’s chocolate in this classic yet elegant expression of Shiraz.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
An opulent style that's also well-structured at the core. Offers rich blackberry, dusty mocha and smoked pepper flavors that finish with supple tannins.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep purple-black colored, the 2017 Shiraz bursts out of the glass with bold black cherries preserves, blackberry pie and baked plum scents plus suggestions of tar, licorice, black pepper and smoked meats. Full-bodied, rich, spicy and seductive, the generous fruit is framed by ripe, rounded tannins, and it finishes with a peppery kick.
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.