I am attracted to wines that are elusive, the ones that keep drawing you back to discover something new with each sip—the inspiration for this wine. Although all our other wines are currently single-vineyard, the Napa Red mixes it up a bit and relies on the winemaker’s intuition to create a wine that draws from three very special sites. Call it a match made in heaven as the three varieties dance together to create a wine of nuance and complexity.

As in Bordeaux, nearly all wine produced are blends in varying percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Centuries of winemaking suggest that this is a very good idea! And yes, we have a great respect for tradition.

My source for Cabernet Sauvignon is of course Brandlin Vineyard on Mount Veeder and needs little introduction. Since 2016 we have been rewarded with outstanding fruit and the resulting wines have consistently garnered high accolades. Speaking of accolades, our Stewart Vineyard Merlot has done an incredible job of convincing many how delicious and satisfying top notch Merlot can be. We always enjoying showcasing this wine at winemaker dinners and seeing the reaction of the guests! Our 2022 Napa Red is the first time we’ve ever paired these two vineyards together.

December 2021 experienced abundant rainfall followed by a very dry January and February. Still, soils started the growing season with adequate moisture—the vines were happy! Summer saw few extremes with moderate temperatures. Harvest began early and uneventfully until the “big heat” arrived in early September, catapulting things along. Nevertheless, the maturity of both the Cabernet and Merlot vines—20 years +-- and their location in Carneros and Mount Veeder resulted in top-notch fruit. All three vineyard sites are in fact considered cool growing regions.

This is a tiny three-barrel selection: Dark ruby, nearly opaque, the enticing and inviting nose offers black cherry, blueberries and cream, and hints of dried herb—thyme, lavender, and mint. Anticipating lushness, the mouth surprises and asserts with a structure and acidity that keep the wine in beautiful harmony. Perfect tannins lead to a happy mouth! And don’t forget that Syrah—a pop of smoke and spice.  Just when you think it’s over—the finish goes on and on.

Raise your glass and celebrate with us.  We are incredibly grateful to have worked with these three iconic vineyards for decades!