ERA Napa Valley 2018
On the palate: Complex expression with notes of dark fruits, crispy meringue, vanilla beans, underbrush, pencil shavings, almond paste, poire belle-Hélène, pipe tobacco, lavender, violets, lilacs, hyacinth, licorice, leather, hints of paprika
On the nose: Silky entrance with soft evolution carried by fine granular tannins, notes of milk chocolate, sour cream, cookie dough, bay leaf, coffee, cedar, grilled meat, camphor, toasted bread, dark cherry, blackberry jam, pomegranate
Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot
Fermentation: 100% barrel fermented
Aging: 22 months in French oak, 80% new, 20% 1-year-old barrels
2018 was a dream growing season and harvest for Napa Valley. An abundance of rain in February was followed by continuous days of sunshine and mild temperatures that made for uniform vines and even cluster growth. With no major heat spikes to contend with, there was no need to rush through harvest. Cooler temperatures allowed us to pick when we wanted, without stress and under optimal conditions. The gift from Mother Nature translated to wines that not only have great concentration but also an amazing freshness.