AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREA (AVA)
Cabernet Sauvignon from Larkmead Vineyard makes up 95% of this blend with a small addition of Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Destin Vineyard Malbec and Sugarloaf Vineyard Cabernet Franc. The Calistoga AVA is the most northerly of the “valley floor” appellations, with the lowest elevation around 300 feet. The soils are primarily volcanic in origin and Calistoga’s orientation – ringed by mountains and far away from the cooling influence of the San Pablo Bay, creates a hot environment that makes for some ripe, rich reds that are dark in color and deep in flavor.
WINEMAKER AND PHILOSOPHY
Kirk Venge follows his father's creed, "making wine in the vineyard," and his grandfather's footsteps, on the Napa Valley soils where he was born and raised. Deep roots and decades’ experience have affirmed his approach from bud-break to barrel, from berry to bottle: “We garden our grapes.” A taste of authentic terroir… born in the vineyard and raised in your glass.
TASTING NOTES
This wine begins with a dark garnet hue. At early entry on the nose, it reminds me of walking into a candle shop as a child. The warm mélange of vanilla, red fruit potpourri, cinnamon and clove aromatics. It envelops you like the comfort of cashmere. This blend has a rich and complex flavor profile. The toasted barrel adds warm notes of oak vanillin and a hint of spice, enhancing the wine's depth. A toasted bread element contributes a comforting, roast from a bakery character, adding a layer of richness.
The fine tannins provide a smooth, velvety mouthfeel, balancing the wine's structure without being overly astringent. The acidity adds brightness and freshness, helping to lift the flavors and keep them lively on the palate. The finish is long and satisfying, echoing the toasted notes and leaving a lingering impression of subtle sweetness and warmth. Overall, it is a Cabernet offering both complexity and elegance, inviting you to take another sip. I believe cellared correctly, this is a 12, to 18, year bottle of wine or more. Aged 21 months in 80% new French Oak and bottled unfiltered and unfined.
TECHNICAL DATA
Varietal: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Calistoga, Napa Valley
Alcohol: 14.9%
HARVEST DATA
Date: October 3rd, 2022
pH: 3.81
Total Acidity: 0.62 g/100mL
RELEASE INFORMATION
Release Date:
Total Production: 313 cases
