Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
There were very small yields in this vintage—about 50% of normal production. The 2015 The Maiden (bottled in early 2018) is deep garnet-purple colored with lovely notes of warm redcurrants, black raspberries and wild blueberries with touches of rose hip tea, tobacco, spice box and fragrant earth. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated with lovely grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and earthy.
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Wine Spectator
This has a solid, grippy edge from the start, with cast iron and warm stone accents guiding the core of steeped black currant and blackberry paste flavors along. Nice sage, sassafras and tobacco details fill in on the finish. Built for the cellar. Best from 2021 through 2035. 647 cases made.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.