Pair it with grilled flank steak, lamb burgers or veal chops.
Vintage: 2020 was a challenging but ultimately one of the most rewarding vintages. One of the warmest vintages on record with multiple heat waves well over 100 degrees, vintage 2020 was also accompanied by exceptionally low rainfall: 50-60% below average. Despite the heat and drought, our vines were well prepared for the stress. Due to low rainfall in 2020, the vines prepared themselves for drought by producing less leaves, which requires less water. The heat and drought produced exceptionally low yields but with excellent quality – great acid and freshness in white wines, and beautiful concentration and color in the reds.
Vineyard: This Merlot grows both in their cooler American Canyon and Carneros vineyards and in our warmer Yountville vineyard. They blended Merlot from all three vineyards to create a balanced, complex wine that combines the richness and depth from the warmer climates and perfume and bright fruitiness from the cooler climates. They farm all certified organic vineyards naturally, using the principles of regenerative agriculture.
Alcohol: 14.2% by volume
Varietal: 93% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Sept. 23 - Oct. 2, 2020
Sugar: 24.0 Brix (average)
Fermentation: Indigenous yeast
Skin Contact: 2 weeks in stainless steel
Total acid: 5.9g/L
pH: 3.66
Aging: 20 months
Type of oak: French oak barrels; 37% new, 63% neutral
Bottling date: June 2022
Release date: December 2022
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
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