Winemaker Notes
2016 was a very successful vintage in Napa Valley producing fully ripe wines with depth of character. This dark colored ruby wine has a beautiful open aroma profile of pure ripe Cabernet at its best—berries, black plums, cedar and a touch of spice. Across the palate it flows, silky yet powerful. A very expressive wine that is unmistakably Napa Valley. Flavors mirror the aromas with ripe black berries and
a nice touch of French oak that enhances the gorgeous fruit of this wine. Tannins are moderate and seamless leading to a long finish. This wine definitely has the “wow” factor of yumminess. For collectors this will also be age worthy although so delicious now.
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.