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A flavorful, expansive blend of our cool-climate Carneros merlot, about 1/3 of the
grapes from nearby Hyde Vineyards, and a lush block of Cabernet Franc from
Rutherford hillsides in similar *Forward* soils.
The bottle reads "Rutherford" on the
back label from blending & bottling with our friends at Alpha
Omega Winery. This is the most new-world Virage yet thanks to a warm
vintage. Dark stone fruit and dark
chocolate, laced with signature Virage minerality. A warming Napa
Valley wine, but
as always, bright acidity on the mouth-watering finish, leaving you
hungry...
The very cool growing season of 2010 took an abrupt turn for all of Napa
Valley --even in Carneros --with a couple of severe heat strikes at
season's end. A friend warned me not to trim the sunburned shoulders too early! For us, that last searing of heat--once we snipped away more raisins!--added a layer of warmth over the slow-developed flavors that we
love from cooler-climate growing. Finishes with
bittersweet cocoa and espresso. 622 cases produced. Best served at
65F.
JAN2021: She's going through a shy phase upon first opening; straw and clear cherry fruit, reminiscent of a pinot noir in the smooth delivery of fresh acidity. That's just the opening act; within 15 minutes the violets and chocolate emerge, then the expanding body. Whew! The fourth, the fifth, the minor fall and the major lift... she's a very expansive wine that takes you on a little journey. Hallelujah.
- VARIETAL: 56% Cabernet Franc, 42% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
- VINEYARDS: HYDE Vineyards, Carneros and BT, Carneros
- HARVESTED: October 2010
- RELEASED: APRIL 2014
- Alc: 14.8% pH: 3.51 TA: 6.7
- Cooperage: 22 mos in 100% French Oak, 50% New - SYLVAIN, BOSSUET, VICARD, SAURY
- Production: 622 cases
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