Storybook Mountain Antaeus 2008 Front Label
Storybook Mountain Antaeus 2008 Front Label

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.

Professional Ratings

  • 93
    This has the bright red fruitiness of zin (60 percent) with the serious tannic underpinning cabernet brings to the blend (there’s also a small amount of petit verdot and merlot). It’s soft and plump with satisfying richness, the tannins hinting at fresh woodland mushrooms through a sleek finish. A rich, fresh Napa Valley red to decant for grilled lamb.
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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.

RWC422863_2008 Item# 112946