Nose
Powerful and complex, this wine offers alluring
aromas of ripe black cherry, red raspberry and rich dark plum that mingle with layers
of cocoa powder, cassis and black licorice.
Palate
The entry is lush and silky, filling the mouth
with bright flavors of strawberry preserves and red currant that lead into touches
of creamy vanilla toast, dried sage leaf and maple-brown sugar on the impeccably
structured finish, supported by smooth, velvety tannins.
Growing Conditions
2013 was an ideal season 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 early October. The berries were hand-harvested at night, carefully sorted and
destemmed to tank, where fermentation took place.
Aging
The wine was racked to 100%
new French oak barrels, where it was aged for 26 months prior to bottling.
Appearance
Deep garnet.
Food Pairing
A classic, meaty dish, such as a roasted lamb loin with grilled vegetables
and Romesco sauce, makes a fine partner for this multilayered, powerful bottling. This
beautiful wine is equally enjoyable after dinner alongside dark chocolate truffles or a
dry, aged cheese such as the Montgomery Cheddar, an English raw cow’s millk cheese