Nose
Aromas of ripe black plum, fresh-baked pie crust and savory soy waft gently from the glass.
Palate
The palate
is complex and layered, with notes of wild blackberry, sandalwood, bay leaf, cinnamon oil, brown butter and
orange peel. A gorgeous mouth-feel showcases an alluring shale-like minerality and fresh acidity on a firm
bed of sweet tannins. Deep and concentrated, the finish serves as a potent reminder of the wine’s highelevation
Napa Valley pedigree.
Growing Conditions
Abundant winter rainfall, a cool spring, late bud break, surprise hail in June, and a touch of mid-harvest
precipitation made for a challenging 2011 growing season. Rocky soils and sloping terrains kept our ridgetop
vineyards well-drained so while yields were low, fruit was exceptionally balanced and concentrated. Intensive
berry-by-berry sorting further ensured optimal quality.
To inquire about purchasing, please email or call 707-255-2321.
Bottling
It was bottled unfined and unfiltered on May 31, 2013.
Winemaking
The grape clusters were hand-sorted, and once de-stemmed, the berries were sorted again by hand on the way
to tank. After four to five days of pre-fermentation cold maceration in small open-top fermentors, the fruit
began 100% native yeast fermentation. Two to three weeks later, the fruit was gently pressed and moved to
barrel where it finished primary and secondary fermentations.
Aging
The wine continued to age in 85% new French
oak – a combination of Taransaud and St. Martin barrels – for eighteen months.
Appearance
Evoking a dark berry coulis brushstroke, this Merlot presents a nearly black core with a shimmering ruby
edge.
