Best of Varietal, Best of Class & Double Gold
- New World International Wine Competition - Feb 2018
Gold Medal - Monterey Wine Competition - Feb 2018
Gold Medal - Pacific Rim Wine Competition - April 2018
Gold Medal - Press Democrat “North Coast” Wine Challenge - April 2018
Aromatic, and beautifully balanced, has a wide array of tropical/citrus notes and maintains the PERFECT acidity and freshness so vital to great Chardonnay. Aromas of stone fruit, lemon zest and a hint of vanilla, lead to a rich and enveloping palate of lychee fruit and toasted almonds. Fermented in 34% new French oak for 9 months. Aged on the lees, and hand stirred regularly promoting depth and longevity. Really well-made wine. Load up! Perfect for summer drinking. Medium to full bodied with great length, this is early evidence that the hype about 2016 is true, and we may have another stellar vintage to look forward to. Chardonnay lovers will not want to miss this one.
Vintage: 2016
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: 100% Carneros - 76% Napa, 24% Sonoma
Harvest Date: September 2nd - October 1st, 2016
Acid: 0.62 g/100ml
pH: 3.52
Aging: Barrel fermented in 34% new, 33% once and 33% twice-filled French oak barrels for 9 months.
Alcohol: 14.4%
Wine Maker: Todd Graff
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.
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.
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.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
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.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
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.
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