Nose
Beautiful nose of spices and flowers, such as thyme and lilacs with a touch of roses, dark chocolate cherries and gingerbread.
Palate
Fresh, fruity entrance evolving on granular integrated tannins lingering on juicy fruit such as black currant, plum and boysenberries.
Growing Conditions
"2016 was a near-perfect growing season thanks to ideal weather conditions, giving Napa Valley another winner in a series of historic vintages. Spring budbreak came early due to dry and relatively warm soils from a drought winter. There was a slight carry-over effect of that advanced timing in producing a low flower count and lighter fruit set (fewer potential grapes and smaller clusters at maturity). However, the thinner grape population was actually beneficial as it focused the vines’ flavor energy on fewer bunches. Minimal heat spells and consistently cool nights across the summer months allowed the clusters to ripen slowly and evenly while protecting their vitally important natural acidity." - Jean Hoefliger
Winemaking
Fermentation: 81% barrel fermented, 19% stainless steel fermented
Aging
22 months in 100% French oak; 75% new, 25% 1-year-old barrels
Appearance
Deep, dark, black oil with touches of mauve on the rim.