Winemaker Notes
A collision of old and new world styles, the expected and not, this ‘Cal-Ital’ style blend conjures up images of old head-trained California mixed field plantings. The 2021 Native son marries their most opulent and juicy Merlot with dark peppery Petite Sirah grapes to entice the senses. Captivating aromas of black cherry and plum are layered with herbal notes, nutmeg, and toasted oak. The palate is well-rounded with silky tannins and bright acidity. Undertones of baking spices and vanilla give way to a lengthy satisfying finish.
Blend: 76% Merlot, 24% Petite Sirah
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.