Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is the producer’s Merlotbased blend, sourced from Calistoga, Oak Knoll and Stags Leap District. The minority is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon from a stellar source in Oakville. It buzzes in soft layers of creamy texture and beautiful red fruit—a mix of plum, apple skin, maple and exotic Asian spice. The tannins are expansive yet tamed, easily enjoyed in the moment or over time.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 66% Merlot and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon mostly from Calistoga, with some Oakville, Estate (Stags Leap) and Oak Knoll fruit, the 2016 The Tempest is very deep garnet-purple in color and bursts forth with exuberant notes of preserved plums, blueberry pie, mincemeat, charcuterie and sautéed herbs with touches of wild sage, licorice and baking spices. The palate is full-bodied, rich and totally seductive with wonderfully plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and spicy.
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.