Nose
This wine presents an effusive nose that
swirls with layered aromas of fresh red raspberry, black cherry and ripe red plum,
enchanting the senses with hints of fragrant dried lavender, cardamom spice and cassis.
Palate
Sumptuous and elegant, the palate opens with red cherry and juicy blackberry that
join with impressions of baking spice and berry cola. The complex array of flavors lasts
through the long finish, framed by round tannins and integrated oak.
Growing Conditions
2013 was an ideal seaon in Napa Valley, with dry
conditions and a long, sunny summer, allowing even ripening and yielding exquisite,
balanced fruit.
Harvest
The fruit for this wine was harvested at an optimal level of ripeness in
mid to late September. The berries were hand-harvested at night, carefully sorted and
destemmed to tank, where fermentation took place.
Aging
Racked to 35%
new American oak barrels, where it was aged for 18 months prior to bottling.
Appearance
Ruby red in color.
Food Pairing
Expressive and plush, this remarkably food-friendly wine will pair beautifully
with a variety of dishes, from grilled flank steak with chimichurri, to pappardelle with
braised short rib, to a lamb burger with blue cheese. For a cheese course that will
amaze, try pairing this wine with Comté, a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese from the
Northern Alpines of France.