Perhaps Ideal is too simple a word for the 2012 Vintage. Loads of sunshine, very few heat spikes over 100F, tons of grapes and one of the best vintages in a long while; perhaps better than the 2001, 2001 or the great 2007. September melded into October as we picked only the fruit that was ready and waited for the ripen slowly. Winemakers across the valley jumped for joy, providing dark, rich, age-worthy wines that will last for years.

Our 2012 Red Blend is from our Oak Knoll Vineyard, showing a big dose of black fruits and a long length from being stored in the winery’s cellar for a few years. This wine is meaty; with a concentrated dark black currant and blackberry preserve fruit profile and a nice light toasted nut overture. This Petit Verdot blend is soft and lush with a milk chocolate finish that never ends! Lamb chops over an open fire really need a wine of this pedigree.