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

WINEGROWING
Heavy rains in February led to a warm summer, which then turned cool in August, resulting in a later harvest than the last few years. What followed was a long warm fall with near perfect growing conditions and extended hang time. In the end, it was one of the longest harvests on record and also above average crop size. Sustainable farming practices throughout the season were tailored to each block with the assistance of aerial photos produced using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) technology.

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
This wine is deep purple with a bright fuschia rim. The nose is expressive, with aromas of red cherry and sage with a hint of violet, spice and toast. The wine is full-bodied, packed with flavors of raspberry and black cherry, along with notes of violet and toast from the oak. Supple tannins carry through to a fine and smooth finish.