About the Wine

The depth of color is striking. The dark brooding color at the core extends all the way to the rim, a sign of concentration, which also indicates quality. A tinge of purple indicates youth and the high viscosity a certain world power, ready to be unleashed.

The nose is more intense than the 2017, riper, denser, with the classic ripe fruit of Napa Valley. Yet there is much more, an individuality and character of a single site. Indeed it comes from a tiny slice of a thoroughbred vineyards. Rutherford, the original home to the finest Napa wines. The Trailside vineyard no less. One of the most historic and classic vineyards in Napa.

Layers of tightly-wound blackcurrant and blueberry invite the nose, a cedar character with black olive, mocha and vanilla complement. What intrigues is the elusive and fleeting notes that waft in and out, ever-changing, mysterious and hard to describe, as is the case with all fine wines. Sweet spices, violets, gravel,

grilled meat, tobacco, they seem to say catch me if you can.

The palate is the star. Aaron Pott, one of the top Winemakers in Napa, crafts wines that are inspired by his time in St. Émilion where he managed a storied chateau, Troplong-Mondot. The dryness is so critical to us as we both abhor fruit-bombs. Nice and dry please, yet full-bodied, laden with ripe black fruits, a subtle

toast and smoke from the barrels, and then the flavors unravel. Encased in ultra-fine dusty tannins, the concentration of black berry fruits and minerals is unmistakable — and simply gorgeous.

As with the 2017 vintage, it is the operatic finish that is the hallmark. It just lingers and lingers, dances and sings, evolves and disappears only to re-emerge minutes later as a reminder that this wine is something special. It is a labor of love by two wine passionistas who took 10 rows of a historic vineyard in Rutherford and crafted their ultimate dream.