Nose

The effusive nose reveals ripe black plum, morello cherries and blueberries layered upon spice tones of nutmeg, cocoa and roasted coffee beans.

Palate

On the palate, the concentrated dark fruit of the attack leads into a sumptuous mid-palate and finishes with very ripe tannins that provide a lingering velvety structure.

Growing Conditions

The 2006 growing season was a long, temperate one that culminated in some of the longest hang times in our history.

Regions: Napa, Sonoma

Bottling

Bottled: Dec. 2008.

Winemaking

Harvested in mid-November, our redolent Lower Mountain Top Merlot block (the perennial contributor to our Vintner Select Merlot as well) forms the backbone of this cuvee, comprising 67% of the blend. The balance of the blend is sourced from our Rock Arch, Carolyn’s and Rim Rock blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, providing the structure to balance the opulent Merlot.

Fermentation; Stainless steel.

Aging

Cooperage: French Oak.