Winemaker Notes
Nearly opaque deep ruby color. Initial aromas of spice, oak and herbal elements, with berry fruit in the background. Mocha, cocoa, and berry flavors, softer and finer textured on the palate than the 2018. Still somewhat young and will benefit from age and/or decanting, as it continues to evolve and unfold in the glass. This would be delicious with steak au poivre, grilled lamb, filet mignon with a demi-glace or a beef and mushroom pie.
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.