92 Points - Hot 100 Wines - Bonfort's Wine & Spirits Journal
Handpicked from the higher elevation of Mt. Veeder in the Napa Valley, aged in French oak barrels for 23 months.
Pairings include grilled ribeye steak, roasted rack of lamb, or barbecue beef ribs. Its herbal and spice profile also complements earthy mushrooms, truffles, and aged cheeses.
HARVEST NOTES
A mild spring allowed for consistent bud break, and the region’s elevated vineyards experienced cooler temperatures than the valley floor, helping preserve freshness and acidity in the fruit. Mount Veeder’s rugged terrain and high elevation helped shield vineyards from the worst of the summer’s heat spikes. While some heat did accelerate ripening, the cooler nights played a key role in slowing down sugar accumulation and maintaining balance in the grapes. The cooler fall weather helped extend hang time and reach optimal phenolic maturity. This resulted in a more refined fruit profile, with enhanced flavor complexity and structure.
VINEYARD NOTES
Vineyard is located 1400 ft above sea level on a Northern Easterly exposure.
400 Petit Verdot planted on 110-R rootstock in 1993.
Farming Practice: Sustainable.
VINTAGE: 2022
VARIETAL: 100% Petit Verdot
APPELLATION: Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley
AGING: Aged 23 months in French Oak barrels / 50% new
pH: 4.03
TA: 5.37 g/L
ALCOHOL: 14.1%
Temperature Control Shipping
All Central, Midwest & Eastern orders ship via temp control truck.
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
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.
