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
Big & Voluptuous!
Dark ruby in color with deep, ripe aromas of black cherry and wild blackberry, with nuances of vanilla, fruitcake, mocha, and a touch of savory smoked meat. Layered fruit flavors with a plush, textural mouthfeel and good length. The tannins are moderate and silky, with well-integrated French oak. The overall impression is a big, voluptuous-yet-balanced mouthful of delicious flavors.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
Chewy & Ripe!
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.