Winemaker Notes
In the early 1990s, as Peter Newton worked to redefine the signature style of Newton wines, he developed a complex blend of 71 small vineyard blocks along the contours of Spring Mountain – giving a new meaning to “Puzzle.” This Bordeaux blend is about elegance, richness, great power and a beautiful long finish. Spice-forward with Herbs de Provence, tobacco, cacao, plum and fig aromas commingling. On the palate, the 2016 Puzzle’s firm, round tannins are pleasantly complemented by a distinct umami characteristic.
Blend: 68.59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16.04% Cabernet Franc, 9.04% Merlot, 5.98% Malbec, 0.35% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
This red is thick, weighty and tannic, an earthy commingling of several Bordeaux reds as one. Cedar, oak and tobacco wrap around darkblack fruit and grippy texture.
-
James Suckling
Slightly leafy blueberry and blackcurrant aromas lead to a palate that has a very fluid, neat and attractive core of fresh plums and blueberries. Firm with long and regal tannins. Try from 2022.
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.