Vintage: 2012 After two cool vintages in 2010 and 2011, we were blessed with a more classic Napa style vintage in 2012. The weather was generally quite warm without being exceedingly hot, allowing for optimal ripeness levels and fine structural material. A very long growing season also lent an even and fuller maturation of flavors.. The final blend is: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon {Calistoga, Coombesville, Howell Mountain} 6% Merlot {Oakville} 3% Petit Verdot {Oakville} 3% Malbec {Oakville} 1% Cabernet Franc {Howell Mountain} Primary fermentation over a period of 15 days and then pressed at dryness and put in to barrel where malolactic fermentation occurred naturally. 19 months aging in French oak (Siruge, Demptos, Taransaud) of which 65% was new. Tasting Notes The resulting wine is like a bridge between the styles of yesterday's Napa Valley and today. It jumps out of the glass with aromas of black fruit, incense and plums. The flavors are well delineated and comprised of dark cherry, plums, mineral and touch of cocoa. There is also a streak of red berry through the mid-palate on a fine structured spine