91 Points - Wine Spectator
91 Points - James Suckling
90 Points - Wine Advocate
Long and elegant with exceptional mouthfeel.
Enjoy now and through 2035.
WINEMAKING
Upon hand harvesting in the early morning hours, the grapes were carefully destemmed and sent to tank for a whole-berry fermentation. The grapes were cold soaked in tank at 45°F for 4-7 days, allowing for increased color, aroma and flavor extraction. After inoculation with a select yeast, the grape must (juice, skins and seeds) fermented at 82°F, which allowed for a hot extraction on the skins. For fermentation cap management, the juice was pumped over the skins two times each day, wetting the cap evenly for a nice healthy fermentation. After fermentation and pressing, the wine was aged in 35% new French oak and 65% neutral oak for 20 months before bottling. The blend is 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot.
VINTAGE
2019 was a long, ideal growing season for our Napa Valley Merlot grapes. Bud break occurred from late March through April, and this long growing period gave way to a healthy set of uniform grape clusters. Summer was quite warm and long, followed by a cooling effect near the end of the season and into Fall. Throughout the growing season, there were no heat spikes and temperatures remained steady. This consistent summer weather encouraged Merlot grapes to fully ripen from mid-September to late October when the grapes were in perfect balance. The fruit was harvested from vineyards in St. Helena, Rutherford and the Oak Knoll District appellations.
Winemaker: Jason Moulton
Vintage: 2019
Appellation: 100% Napa Valley
Varietal Composition: 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot
Alcohol: 14.7%
90 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass. The palate opens with cranberry, cherry fruit and wood spice dominate. Cherry and plum notes pump through with a medium-bodied texture. Smooth tannins and soft finish showcase its layered complexity.
92 Points
Aromas of red raspberry, jammed dark fruit, cinnamon spice and clove. Hints of sliced ripe plum, black tea and lavender oil adds to its complexity. Flavors of blueberry, elderberry, and cranberry are enhanced with oak spice and baking notes from the barrels. These flavors marry with soft tannins for a long and mouthwatering finish.
92 Points
Juicy blackberries and black cherries accented by mint and chocolate. Full-bodied, deeply colored, with a hint of white pepper, dried herbs and toasted bread. Delivers a substantial mid-palate of dark fruits, black tea, baked cherry, fruit preserves and licorice. Sophisticated and sumptuous. A great example of the varietal, brooding with depth and complexity. Notes of toast and oak, with integrated tannins and textural polish on the finish.
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