A fruit-forward nose of blueberries and cherries with a graham cracker and mocha richness. Attractive to smell, and even better to drink! There’s also pencil shavings, sweet tobacco, and cedar nuances that are typical of a Cabernet-driven blend from the Napa Valley. Chateau Montelena got all of this fruit until 1997 which serves as a testament to the quality of Blue Heron Vineyards.

Winemaker Alison Green Doran was drawn into the craft in 1973. Her father had bought the Simi Winery in 1969, and brought in winemaking legend Andre Tchellistcheff. By working as a harvest intern beside Andre for 6 months at Simi in 1973, Alison found both her life’s work and her mentor.