The 2007 vintage was arguably the finest vintage of the past 100 years. In Northern California, the vintage started off with a mild winter and a warm, dry spring that led to a healthy bud break and then a smaller-than average fruit set. The normally hot summer months were relatively mild with just a few heat spikes early in the season. The long, even weather continued through the end of August and eventually cooled in mid-September, allowing farmers to take their time with the harvest. This long harvest provided winemakers with the luxury of picking the grapes when the seeds were brown and nutty but the fruit was still fresh (green seeds can impart an herbaceous or vegetal quality to the wine.) It also let producers vinify the wines in smaller lots, giving them more control in the blending process. This wine will peak in 10 years.
Their Flagship wine starts with explosive red fruit, black cherry, cola berry, and chocolate on the nose. Wine maker, Kevin Mills, builds the blend piece by piece for a wine with layers and layers of complex aromas and flavors. It shows black currant, licorice, plums, cocoa and earthy cedar and mineral nuances in a supple texture that shows beautifully approachable. For a Napa Valley estate wine of this quality it’s an incredible value. The mouth is full, supple, and rich and its lengthy finish will leave you lingering for more. This wine is Very Limited.
Varietals:
40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet France, 14% Merlot, 9% Malbec.
Aging: 18 months in 100% new French oak.
Alcohol: 13.9%
Total Acidity: 7.49g
pH: 3.75
Cases: 536
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.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
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.
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