Our premier Red Wine is a bold blend of fruit from several distinguished Napa Valley vineyards. These sites have been chosen as they have historically produced exceptional grapes, all unique and expressive of their particular place within the valley. At the core of the blend is Family Home Cabernet Sauvignon from our Oakville knoll-top vineyard; CC Ranch Merlot from the alluvial soils of Rutherford; Cabernet Franc from Varozza Vineyard, a low yielding old St Helena site; and Petit Verdot from Speedy Creek on the slopes of Mount St Helena.
The four varieties were all harvested, fermented and aged separately. The Rutherford Merlot ripened first and was harvested on August 27; the Oakville Cabernet ripened last and was harvested on October 3. All fruit was lightly crushed and allowed to soak at a cool 53F for 3 days. As the musts warmed, multiple strains of yeast were employed to improve mouthfeel and overall complexity. At dryness the musts were lightly pressed and each wine transferred to 60 gallon barrels for malolactic fermentation and the 19 month aging process. Outstanding as these individual wines were alone, judiciously blended they came together to create a wine of heightened complexity and interest.
Bright fruit aromas of cherry and dusty blackberry together with leather, chocolate and a savory hint of thyme. Medium bodied with good acidity and silky tannins. Flavors of plum, cranberry, pomegranate, clove and spicy licorice. Savor the persistent flavor-filled finish.
Composition: 38% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley
Oak: 41% new French oak Seguin Moreau, Remond, Sylvain and Bel Air
Cellaring: Nineteen months in barrel
Alcohol: 14.4%
TA: 0.62g/100ml
pH: 3.53