Consultant winemaker Jean Hoefliger seeks cooler sites in Napa (Yountville and Oak Knoll) with the aim of making a fruity, upfront, accessible wine. Grapes were fermented in stainless steel with 18 days of skin contact before ageing 18 months in 40% new oak. Very pretty nose of dark black fruits, purple flowers and heady minerals. Layered, bright and fresh the berry-driven palate is supported by a framework of firm tannins. A joyful, pleasure-filled red.

Deep, dark eggplant with touches of indigo and magenta on the rim. Beautiful fresh fruit with touches of roses, lavender and cherry preserve with lilac, ripe strawberry, vanilla and plum. Soft fruit entrance evolving on a granular tannin mid-palate, lingering on red cherry, plum and violet.