The 2016 Padrone is a beautiful wine that exudes concentration, depth and balance. The complex bouquet of blackberry, cassis, licorice, lavender, dark chocolate and spice asserts its terroir in a striking manner. The tannins are powerful yet exceptionally balanced yielding a juicy and plush mouthfeel. Time in the glass only reveals further complexity with lifted notes of tobacco, plum, hints of espresso and sage. The 2016 is evocative and full of promises to get further nuanced with cellar age.

The grapes were picked in the range of 24.5-26 Brix and the longer hang time for the fruit due to the good weather resulted in concentrated, explosive, flavorful berries. The grapes were destemmed, thoroughly hand sorted and fermented with native yeast. 18 months in 70% new French Oak allowed the wine to soften with the aromas developing harmoniously. The wine is unfined and unfiltered.

2016 was the epitome of a perfect growing season in Napa Valley. A wet winter stimulated early budbreak and the vines grew steadily through a soft spring season. Warm, bright summer days and mild moderate weather allowed for perfect ripening conditions. 2016 has been heralded by critics as one of the best vintages in Napa Valley to date.

14.5% ABV