Falling for someone can be a faint obsession, an entrancement, or a tantalizing love. It holds no structure. No rules. No bounds. With a loss of all control, there is nothing like falling for you.
We’re switching things up and letting Merlot take the stage this time around. Hailing from Napa Valley, 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon marry into a tempestuous blend. These alluring grapes spent about 8 months in 75% used and 25% new French Oak. The Merlot is from the Krupp Hardman Vineyard, perched at the very base of Atlas Peak. The Cabernet Sauvignon is from Temple Ranch, just east of the Silverado Trail in Pope Valley, dazzling us with small berries that have rich, concentrated fruit flavors. We employed a little extended maceration on all the fruit to intensify color, flavor, and tannin structure. Extended maceration is when the seeds and skins of the grape are left in contact with the juice for a longer period of time after fermentation. Think of a teabag steeping...and steeping and steeping.
When you pop the cork, your nose will be enamored by juicy aromas of plums and pomegranate with a hint of black pepper. This chonky wine will make your lips smack, unraveling flavors of leather, cigar smoke, and coffee grounds. And to let you know we’re not messin’ around, she’s got acid lingering for daysssss. To mirror this sultry blend, we labeled it with a photograph from the 1930s, featuring seductive lips fit for an old rock and roll album cover.
We fell head over heels for this one.
Vintage: 2018
Appellation: Napa Valley
Vineyards: 72% Krupp Hardman Vineyard, 28% Temple Ranch Vineyard
Aging: 8 months in 75% used and 25% new French Oak
Alcohol %: 14.9
Blend: 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon
Release Date: December 2020
Production: 295 Cases Made
Other Notes: Drink by 2030