Nose
Sourced almost entirely from one single block of 20 year old Martha’s clone Cabernet Sauvignon, this precise wine has a concentrated nose of lifted black cherry and Cassis with intertwined hints of Bay leaf and dark chocolate.
Palate
A focused and compact palate of brambly red and black fruits consisting primarily of Boysenberries and blackcurrants is made more complex by episodic revelations of earthy, resinous and woody characters. The finish showcases the well-defined and finely-grained tannin structure from these old vines on this neighboring property. Though currently drinking well, a few months of additional bottle ageing should allow more of the layers to reveal themselves.
Growing Conditions
The ideal 2012 growing season was classic Napa Valley – great conditions during budbreak through flowering got things off to a great start followed by a Goldilocks summer of “just right” days and cool, foggy nights. A nice warmer stretch from late July through mid August helped ripen the ample crop and set-up the near perfect September stretch and October finish that gave the fruit the extended hangtime we were hoping for.
Aging
20 Months
100% French, 85% new, 15% used
