Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The structure and pedigree of this fine wine are immediately apparent. It hits the mouth with a wonderful balance of ripe fruit, fine tannins, firm acidity and perfectly integrated oak. The deep flavors of blackberry jam spread onto buttered toast, and drizzled with anise liqueur and melted chocolate, are irresistable. But the tannins are still hard. Decant now for a few hours, or drink through 2014.
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Wine Spectator
Ultrarich and concentrated, delivering plush blackberry, currant, black cherry and spicy anise flavors that are pure, focused and full-bodied, with a long, persistent finish that ends with a supple texture. Best from 2011 through 2017. 5,072 cases made
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.