The 2019 growing season set the stage for another amazing vintage in Napa Valley. Generous rainfall at the start of growing season preceded a long, warm summer with few extreme heat events. Cool, foggy mornings preserved freshness and finesse in the fruit, while abundant hang time on the vines allowed for ideal color, structure, and fruit tone extraction. The result: exceptional, balanced fruit with bright acidity, ample texture, and supple tannins.
The wine immediately lifts with an essence of opulent cassis, dusty blackberries, ripened plum, and black tea spices. This aromatic force suddenly widens into a pure and powerful core of dark finesse. Dimpled tannins accelerate with wonderful focus and width, coating the midpalate with notes of black mulberries, crème de cassis, juniper, and graphite. This enchanting darkness carries through the marvelous finish with unparalleled beauty and clarity.