This single vineyard blend has a dark translucent countenance in the glass. Expressive aromas suggest fruits of black cherry, blackberry and dark raspberry with background notes of laurel, fennel and smoke. The weight and concentration of the palate furthers the expression of stewed, dark red fruits, a stony minerality and fine spice. This lush mouthfeel, so prevalent in the onset, persists through its generous, lengthy finish. While this wine is structured for consumption in three to five years, it will be difficult to keep from consuming it in its youth....

After a warm winter, the 2016 growing season started with an early bud break in a similar pattern to the three preceding years. The amount of rainfall in the winter and spring, however, was well above what came down in recent years. Between November 2015 and April 2016, we received an annual rainfall amount of thirty inches. This led to a vigorous spring and summer in the vineyards. After experiencing several heat waves early in the summer, the head during the month of August and the first half of September was more moderate, allowing for even and extended berry maturity and ripening. Heat in the latter half of September propelled a concentrated and intense harvest period with the majority of our grapes coming in within a three-week span. The 2016 wines are very reflective of the conditions in which they were grown - balanced, poised and ripe....

The beginning of the drought in California revealed itself in 2013, presenting challenges in the vineyards. The 2013 growing season started with a warm spring that brought high winds and very little rain. These conditions produced shorter shoots and a more restricted canopy that resulted in small berry sizes, creating intense flavor concentration and structure to this vintage's wines. Just like 2012, the 2013 summer was consistently warm without any massive heat spikes, which led to a very even ripening curve. The early harvest produced a smaller crop of the highest quality fruit....