Proprietary Red Oak Knoll 2021

VINTAGE NOTES
Late winter rains followed by ideal spring growing conditions set the stage for the 2021 vintage. Mild temperatures punctuated this drought year with only a few heat spikes during the summer months that led to early ripening and allowed us to harvest some early blocks with incredible old-world charm and intriguing complexity. Grapes that were harvested later benefitted from the longer hang time and ripened perfectly, displaying great depth with distinct regional character. The ideal weather of 2021, coupled with lower yields, produced wines that offer intense aromatics and flavors with excellent aging potential.

VINEYARD SOURCES
Just north of the city of Napa, the Oak Knoll District is one of Napa’s widest appellations. The region is dominated by one large alluvial fan extending from the mouth of Dry Creek through the western part of the appellation featuring over twenty different soil types. To the south and east there is less gravel and more silt, clay and loam. Oak Knoll’s proximity to San Pablo Bay makes it one of coolest AVA’s in the Napa Valley and climatically ideal for all five of the Bordeaux varieties. Grapes for this wine came from several vineyards primarily located in the rockier, western part Oak Knoll District.

WINEMAKER NOTE
For the 2021 vintage, our winemakers blended 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 11% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. These grapes were fermented in 30% French oak barriques, 40% new and 60% two and three-year-old barriques and 70% in stainless steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 20 months in the same barrel composition.

NOSE: Bright black cherry and dark plum aromas are enhanced by notes of lilac, fresh ground black pepper, button mushroom, toasted graham cracker and fresh earth.
PALATE: Medium full bodied, rich, ripe raspberry and kirsch fruit flavors combine with elements of dark chocolate, cedar and oregano that culminate in a very balanced finish.