Winemaker Notes
Deep ruby in appearance with rich aromas of mountain fruit, brambly berry, coffee, bay, and cassis fill the nose. Hints of licorice, vanilla and cocoa add to the complexity. The flavor is powerful and dense, with a big, supple mouthfeel carrying deep layers of blackberry, sage, plum and chocolate. Rich and well-structured, with mouth-filling tannins and toasty notes of sweet oak. The full-bodied palate leads to a long complex finish of blackberry, anise, and cocoa.
Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 7% Malbec
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.