Production Notes
Varietal Content: 63% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot; Cooperage: 100% French oak
Winemaker Notes
Rich and concentrated, this full-bodied wine displays alluring layers of blackberry and ripe cherry, along with hints of spearmint and caramel. On the palate, the voluptuous fruit flavors are underscored by plush tannins that carry the wine to a long, silky finish.
Production
In Sonoma County, a warm, dry spring resulted in an early budbreak, while an extended flowering period brought a return to normal yields after three years of abundant crops. With berry weights down, the grapes offered great concentration, while retaining excellent acidity. We had one of our earliest harvests in the past decade, but a light rain in mid-September nourished the vines and provided welcome additional hangtime. Overall, the quality of the fruit was exceptional, with our white wines showing both richness and complexity, and our red grapes displaying a fine balance between elegance and intensity, with gorgeous dark fruit flavors.