The beginning of the 2019 growing season was defined by copious rainfall. The long, warm summer saw very few extreme heat events, with foggy mornings setting the stage for vibrant and expressive wines. The long, relatively mild finish to the season, not without its moments of unpredictability, helped to preserve freshness and finesse in the uit with abundant hang time teasing out great color, structure and soft tannins.
This gorgeous wine greets the nose with fragrant aromas of dried Mission figs and hints of thyme. The flavors that follow include berry compote, red cherry, vanilla, light brown sugar and hints of cocoa. It’s a bright, juicy wine with many layers and soft supple tannins that lead to an elegant finish.
Critic Ratings
Tasting Panel Review - Rated 95:
Aged in French and American oak, this dynamic blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec offers up scents of huckleberry, dried herbs, and vanilla. An incredibly silky entry of ripe blueberry preserves captivates with a luxurious mouthfeel. The textural sensations continue with melting dark chocolate, graphite, and a coat of anise.
Wine & Spirits Review - Published 12/21 - Rated 92:
Sara Fowler blends this wine from five of the Peju family’s estate vineyards, based on 75 percent cabernet sauvignon with merlot, petit verdot and malbec. This is a gentle Napa Valley red, subtle in its scents of madrone and leather, brisk and bright in its cherry flavor. The tea-like tannins remain in the background, making this wine a complement to wood-grilled vegetables, from onions and peppers to eggplant and wild mushrooms. —J.G.
