Winemaker Notes
Grown just below the Hacienda in a rare mix of rhyolitic tuff and Huichica loam, it carries the full character of the Estate's terroir: cool, salty breezes, bright afternoon sun, volcanic ash-laden soil, and finds the brighter, more vivid side of this delicate varietal while maintaining power and texture.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Positively gorgeous, bursting with pure red berry fruit, rich cedarwood spices, a hint of black truffle and deep forest underbrush with soaring tannins on the palate that are neatly compact and tightly framed together, underscored by racy, crisp and crunchy acidity. A dynamic, brooding wine with a lightness that comes from the bright acid tension.
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.