Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Immediately impressing with its sense of crafting and polish and as rich and refined in flavor as it is in aroma, the latest Antaeus marries the deep, dark berry fruit of Zinfandel with a bit of Cabernet cassis and is structured along distinctly claret-like lines. It is layered and long and thoroughly involving right now, but its balance and youthful vitality are the markers of a wine that will grow effortlessly. Allow for at least five years in the cellar, and we are certain those who wait for ten will be very glad that they did.
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.