This Valdiguié comes from Rancho Chimiles in southeastern Napa County, owned and managed by the Wilson family. The 2017 growing season brought grapes that were looking great and tasting spectacular. Fruit loads seem generally balanced across all varietals this vintage and the canopies are there to support it.

Thirty percent of the fruit was left as whole cluster, while the balance was de-stemmed, all went into a concrete fermenter. Fermentation occurred with ambient yeasts and the must was pressed 13 days after harvest. Primary and malolactic fermentation finished in neutral French oak barrels, no additions were made except for sulfur dioxide, and the wine was bottled without any fining or filtration.

Fermented in concrete, aged in neutral French oak, this wine first shows a soft and plush texture, with ripe cherry and plum on the palate, the balance, and charm that made the grape variety a staple of the Napa Valley decades ago. Fresh cut flower and ripe red fruit aromas, a palate full of bright fruit, acidity, and a pleasant tannic grip on the finish. Will pair well with absolutely anything you throw at it. As always with this variety, it will welcome a slight chill before serving.