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 hottest 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
All Wines
96 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spicy cola and black tea waft from the glass. The palate delivers all of that and then some, adding layers of cinnamon, clove, fig jam and white peppercorn. The finish shows the grip of some tannin that will help this wine evolve beautifully for the next 10-15 years.
94 Points
Aromas of cocoa mingle with notes of cassis, black cherry, blackberry coulis, graphite, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cedar. The palate is harmonious as the richness of barrel spice melds seamlessly with juicy plum, blackberry and licorice flavors. An incredibly polished texture, even at a young age. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
92 Points
This is a rich, spicy and opulent Syrah. Intense garnet colored in the glass, the nose gives blackberry, plum, fresh raspberry and peppery aromas, while the palate displays a juicy berry compote, cassis, caramel and black pepper flavors before a rich, tannic finish. Four to five years in the cellar will round this out nicely.
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