Winemaker Notes
Saturated purple color with violet at the rim. Fragrant fruit and spice intertwine in the initial aromatic profile. With air, the floral, dark fruit and spicy, smoky aromas of oak continue to serve as aromatic counterpoints. Moderately dense and structured, with a punch of brightening acid along with the sweet berry fruit on the palate. Decanting recommended for early drinking.
Pair with grilled or braised beef, grilled lamb chops, pot roasts or cheeseburgers on the grill.
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.