It’s not often that you’ll find a worthy, single vineyard blend of Bordeaux varieties with a Napa Valley sub AVA stamp at this kind of price. It comes from the Vale Vineyard, a small site planted equally to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. That ratio is just about what ended up in the bottle for 2017, and it works with pulsing black cherry and red currant fruit and bold spice from 21 months in French oak, 50% new. The oak spice and toast is well integrated on the palate, and while the wine is structured for near term enjoyment, there is enough backbone to lay some down for five or six years as well.
Trail 3150, Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley (California) 2017
By Rich Cook