Winemaker Notes
Pale to medium ruby. Initial aromas are herbal, somewhat floral and distinctively Pinot Noir, opening to include moderate cherry fruit. On the palate, light-bodied, with candied cherry, cranberry, honey, toffee and toast. Gentle tannins, soft but present acidity. The screw-cap closure keeps this wine tightly wound initially; it opens easily with a few minutes of air exposure.
Pair with simple dishes with savory qualities: roast chicken with herbs, salmon burgers, mushroom pizza, vegetarian dishes, pork and leaner red meats.
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.