Allow me to introduce you to the best-kept secret in Napa. There is no cellar door, but decades of history, no advertising campaign, just whispers of quality, depth, and complexity spoken by those in the know, late in the evening after an impressive meal and wonderful wine. Next to no reviews and ratings, and no crazy Napa Cabernet price tag.
The 2016 vintage was an exceptional, no-drama, textbook vintage, delivering elegant, seamless, high-quality wines with impressive aging potential. This is a classic example. Now, add in all Rutherford fruit, with just a hint of classic ‘Rutherford Dust’ to define its terroir, and 10 years of aging, and you have something to look forward to. This is my Monday! They continue to fly under the radar, producing impressive wines while staying the course and not giving in to what style is popular this year.
Alluring aromas of black currants, plums, dark cherries, with just a hint of roasted coffee and an old leather belt.
The palate is silky-smooth, with classic Rutherford dust evident; excellent balance, dusty tannins, pleasing acidity, and terroir-driven minerality on full display. Medium-bodied and nice boldness without weighing you down. This cradles seamless layers of black currants, red plums, and black raspberries, with secondary notes of roasted coffee, dried herbs, oak, and just a hint of black licorice. Wonderful integration.
Despite 10 years of aging, it most definitely challenges your palate and still has another 6 – 8 years to evolve into what the winemaker envisioned.
When I see ratings of 90 to 93 pts, I wonder if we are tasting the same wine, or am I biased? I’ve tasted several vintages, and they have never disappointed. I was fortunate enough to spend an afternoon with the winemaker 6 or 7 years ago. Amazing experience.
If you’ve tasted this wine or come across it, let me know what you think.
Food pairings should include red meat cooked your favorite way, but this wine also cries out for vegetarian options, including Mushroom Ragù with Polenta, Roasted Root Vegetables with Red Wine sauce, and Truffle Risotto.
Vine to Table 