Growing Conditions
Much of Napa Valley’s reputation for outstanding Bordeaux-style varietals can be attributed to the stellar combination of rich complex fruit and tannins. Intense dark berry tones and concentrated tannins are coming from the mountain appellations of Mount Veeder, Atlas Peak, and Howell Mountain. The Atlas Peak volcanic soils along with Veeder’s ancient sedimentary marine soils, combine to produce rich, dark, full and complex wines. Napa Valley’s Howell Mountain produces outstanding Merlot, which was blended to strengthen the tannin structure and raise the fruit complexity to the next level. The exquisite dark and silky Malbec and the generous backbone supporting Petit Verdot components are from Atlas Peak. The vineyards overlook Oakville and, as with all of our mountain vineyards, have a great view.
Winemaking
Pre-fermentation cold-soak and 16 days fermentation and extended maceration on the skins translate to concentrated flavor and color, added layers of complexity and lush, voluptuous tannin development. After gentle pressing, the wine was racked directly into small French oak barrels (71% new) and aged for 20 months in thin-staved, heavily-toasted Château-style barrels adding rich, balanced oak accents, rounded texture and a serious, lingering, integrated finish.
Aging
20 months in French (71% new) oak