Growing Conditions

2014 was an excellent vintage for Napa winemaking, the third consecutive such vintage, following the stunning successes of both 2012 and 2013. Despite a regional drought, significant rains in February and March gave the vineyards a healthy soaking, and set up the vines for early budbreak. A mild spring and “perfect” summer temperatures brought grapes to optimum ripeness before an early harvest. The resulting wines show intense aromatics and complex fruit character.

Winemaking

A rich, opaque purple in color, this wine offers up aromas of ripe blackberry, black currant, pie spice and vanilla, revealing greater spice, tobacco and notes of bittersweet chocolate on the palate. Very well-balanced with a long, decadent finish.

Napa Valley (60% valley floor vineyards, 40% mountain vineyards)

Aging

Aged 22 months in 60% new French oak barrels