Dubbed a “Winemaker’s Dream Vintage” the 2018 growing season in Napa saw cooler than average temperatures throughout spring/summer. With saturated grounds ¬om winter rains, vines coming out of dormancy had plenty of water supply for healthy bud-breaks, which with the exception of a slightly delayed Sauvignon Blanc, occurred on time in late March/early April. Temperatures in May through August continued to be cooler than usual. This and the absence of any heat events during berry formation, coupled with the larger cluster sizes resulted in yields above average and the vintage will be remembered as a bumper crop.

This full-bodied wine starts with fr¬agrant aromas of ripe blackberries, potpourri, ¬freshly turned earth, and Chambord. On the palate, we find mouth-coating flavors of blueberries, Santa Rosa plums, and baking spices with a pleasant grip of ripe tannins coupled with notes of toffee, rhubarb compote, fresh sage, and cigar box on the long and pleasant finish.