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Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley (125 cases produced).
The near-perfect 2020 growing season with warm days and temperate nights was most welcomed. A dry winter brought no rain or cold weather until the end of March and summer followed with very cool mornings and very warm days. Additionally, the continued record-breaking drought also contributed a positive by causing the vines to produce clusters of smaller than usual berries. These berries possessed an enhanced flavor and intensity. The size of our vineyard (less than 2 acres) allows our team to individually manage the leafy canopy of each vine to assure the proper sun-shade balance and insuring full ripening of each cluster. While most premium Napa Valley vineyards produce 3-4 ton or more per acre, our hillside volcanic rock vineyard consistently produces less than 2 ton. Our wine production is strictly limited to the grapes grown on the property.
The harvest of 2020 began in the early hours of October 9th.. The grapes came in small berried, deep black-blue and loose on clusters. The hand-picked fruit was immediately attended to by our gifted fourth-generation winemaker, Massimo Monticelli. Following additional bunch culling under Massimo’s practiced eye and a five day cold-soak, the natural fermentation took 7 days followed by a 14 day extended maceration. Upon completion of the unhurried process of transformation of the juice, the wine was placed in new Taransaud French oak barrels, and thereafter rested in the cool cellar for the next 22 months. Bottling took place on August 8, 2022.
Vintage | 2020 |
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Wine Style | Red Wine |
Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
Appellation | Diamond Mountain |
Size | 1.5 L |