THE RED DRAGON on the label of our Dragon’s Tooth Napa Valley Red Wine originated in ancient British legend where two dragons—one red, one white—fight in the sky. The boy Merlin watches them with King Vortigern and when the red prevails, driving the white across the sea, the boy foretells the coming of King Arthur who will lead Vortigern’s people, the Welsh, to victory over the invading Saxons.

CATHERINE TREFETHEN, our First Lady, was Welsh. Her loves for wine, gardens and family were the inspiration for our estate in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District, and though she has departed, her spirit is still felt, especially in the cool foggy mornings when mist envelops the vineyard and our minds tend towards whimsical imaginings.

HIGHLIGHTING our new plantings of Malbec and Petit Verdot, this 100% Estate wine is born in the rockiest part of our vineyard where obsidian flakes occasionally remind us of the toothy smile of Y Ddraig Goch (The Red Dragon) guardian and symbol of Wales.

THE VINTAGE The vines got off to a slow start as April and May were both cooler and wetter than average. The cool trend continued into the mild summer and a full growing season that was our coolest since 1978. The exception was one notable heat spell in late August, when temperatures soared to over 111° F! Fortunately, September and October brought enough warm days to provide a beautiful finish to the growing season, allowing us to complete harvest a full week earlier than in 2009.

THE WINE This unique blend shines with vibrant aromas of boysenberry, cassis and baking spice. Nutmeg and toasty oak flavors segue into a long, chocolate-y finish that would disarm the fiercest of dragons. Malbec brings a diversity of fruit to the palate along with vibrant color; Petit Verdot contributes tannin; and Cabernet Sauvignon lends darker fruit and structure.

FOOD AFFINITIES Grilled steak, roasted lamb or duck breast are our favorite pairs with Dragon’s Tooth. The wine also shines with dark fruit reduction sauces.

ACCOLADES 93 POINTS (v. 2009) Wine Enthusiast March 2013

94 POINTS (v. 2008) Wine Enthusiast

90 POINTS (v. 2007) Robert Parker, Wine Advocate