Winemaker Notes
Antaeus, the son of Water and Earth in Greek mythology, is the symbol of strength derived from the soil. So too this wine, deriving strength from the matching of site and grape on every part of our land. The aromatics are primarily Napa Cabernet, with all the richness that connotes; the body has Zinfandel's sensual fruit and fullness, but the finish comes through with the structured, sinewy aspect of the Bordeaux varieties.
The 2006 Antaeus is composed of 57% Zinfandel, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot. The intensity derived from red clay soils is here in full, while the coolness of our site provides the acid balance so essential to a wine's grace and longevity. Fermentations are non-inoculated, MLs are completed with proprietary bacteria and the aging is done primarily in French oak. All the best claimed for terroir or a sense of place is found in Antaeus.
Professional Ratings
-
Connoisseurs' Guide
Given its unconventional varietal mix, one should not be surprised that this bottling travels to the beat of its own drum. There is a fine sense of Zinfandel at its heart, and its complexing notes of currants, briar, sweet oak and peppery spice are well-mated to its first-rate fruit. Big-bodied and impressively balanced, it sports a fair bit of carefully placed tannin, and it is guaranteed to get better for years to come
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.