A new producer to me, though this bottle celebrates the winery’s 20th anniversary. Made by Andy Erickson, it combines fruit from the north and south ends of the valley, showing well what can be accomplished when blending bright cool climate fruit with powerful warmer region fruit. The result is a full throttle Napa red with structure to manage ripeness, allowing a fine balance of red and black fruit to ride atop notes of classy oak spice and subtle dried herbs, with food friendly acidity pushing the finish and inviting a return to the glass. This is a delight now, and will continue to gain elegance with extended aging. Bravo!
Arietta, Napa Valley (California) 2014
By Rich Cook