“Early” was the theme in 2014. Though early, the growing season was exceptional and the quality of the fruit was outstanding. Aromatically expressive, this wine delivers notes of black cherry, ripe raspberry, and hints of sage and clove. On the palate, layered flavors of bing cherry, chocolate, mocha, vanilla bean, and warming spice round out this rich and balanced wine. The 2014 vintage is beautifully structured and is full of energy – elegantly smooth tannins and vibrantly firm acidity make this wine ideal for drinking now or cellaring for 10 – 15 years.

The impeccable 2014 vintage blessed this wine with aromas of raspberry, black cherry, and white flowers, with dashes of mint and earth in the background. The barrels sprinkle in some subtle spice, smoke, and vanilla flavors helping round out the bouquet. The palate is silky upon entry and ascends to a full-bodied and rich mid-palate. The bright acid and beautiful structure give this wine great tension, balance, and persistence on the finish. The cherry and raspberry flavors stand out on the palate and the wine finishes with cocoa and vanilla.

We continue to source our Syrah grapes from two incredible vineyards in the Napa Valley – Hudson in Los Carneros and Stagecoach on Atlas Peak.  The combination of these unique vineyards and the unforgettable 2014 vintage resulted in a wine with great beauty, depth and grace.  Loads of flowery blackberry and cassis fruit, along with spice and forest floor jump from the glass of this killer Syrah.  Complex aromatics, stunningly full-bodied, rich flavors of blue and black fruits, with nicely integrated acidity, tannin and wood.  The whole-cluster fermentation adds more complexity and the oak imparts smokiness to the nose and bittersweet chocolate to the finish.

Our Chardonnay grapes are sourced from two vineyards in the Napa Valley – one in Los Carneros and the other in St. Helena. The cooler Carneros site imparts this wine with fresh green apple, Bosc pear, and lemon zest on the nose, while the warmer St. Helena site lends some tropical and melon notes. The Carneros vineyard also gives this wine a beautiful, bright, lively acidity, which is balanced by the creamy, rich texture of the St. Helena fruit. The touch of oak adds subtle layers to the nose and palate with traces of toasted almonds, vanilla, flint, and spice. By foregoing malolactic fermentation, we are retaining the bright, lively malic acid, which helps to accentuate the fruit on the palate, and gives this wine its balance and drive.