VINEYARDS
The fruit for this wine comes from vineyards in the St. Helena, Calistoga, Stags Leap District, and Atlas Peak AVAs.

WINEGROWING
An exceptionally dry and warmer than average start to the year ended with some spring rains and mild temperatures through the summer. This allowed for a long, even ripening period. Sustainable farming practices throughout the growing season were tailored to each block with the assistance of aerial photos produced using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) technology. Harvest was long, with ideal conditions allowing us to pick each block at its optimal ripeness and at night to preserve the fruit’s natural acidity.

WINEMAKING
The grapes were carefully destemmed and optically sorted to ensure only perfect fruit made it into the wine. A cold soak extracted color and flavor before a combination of tank and barrel fermentation was used to provide a richer, more textured palate. The wine was gently basket-pressed before being racked to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging.

TASTING NOTES
Ripe aromas of red raspberries and red currant mingle on the nose with hints of mint and dried savory herbs. The palate is darker, full of notes of black currant, creme de cassis, and holiday baking spices. The moderate tannins provide 
a rich and nuanced texture, framed by bright acidity which leaves a lingering impression on the finish.