Winemaker Notes

The growing season started with the threat of frost, but turned into an early, warm spring. There were a few very warm days in June that caused the vines to develop early, but July and August gave us moderate, even heat. The 2001 vintage was one of our earliest harvests yet one of our best quality. The wine shows sweet, ripe cherry with juicy, soft fruit. An almost blueberry like quality, mixed with hints of anise, gives this wine an intriguing nose. This leads into a beautiful mouth feel that is very silky and soft on the palate. The richness and luscious flavors follow through to a soft and lasting finish.
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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.

LIM182330701_2001 Item# 56483