California Reds (non Cab Sauv)

Question 1

Duckhorn Merlot ‘Three Palms’

Answer 1

• From 3 palms vineyard named for its 3 iconic palm trees
• 91% merlot, 5% cab sauv, 2% Malbec, 1% cab franc, 1% petit verdot (100% estate Napa valley)
• Aged 18 months in 100% French oak (75% new)

T.N. - dark ruby, luxurious aromas of black cheery, plum, raspberry, cedar, hints of chocolate, sweet baking spices, dusty tannins and earthy notes with fig

Pairing - grilled steak, roasted veggies, game, roasted meats

Question 2

Colgin IX Estate

Answer 2

• IX is the parcel number and signifies the date Ann and Joe were married 9/9
• 67% cab sauv, 16% cab franc, 12% merlot, 5% petit verdot
• Small yields
• Aged in new French oak barrels for about 20 months and racked right before blending and bottling

T.N. - luscious nose of rustic herbs, iron, clay, black fruits, huge laters of flavor and ripe supple tannins with fine acid structure

Pairing - grilled/roasted meats, grilled/roasted veggies, stews, ripe cheeses

Question 3

Jonata ‘The Pairing’

Answer 3

• Grapes are sourced from primarily 3 Santa Barbara regions
• Made from grapes either too young or don’t fit into the vintage style for highly acclaimed Jonata and Hilt wines
• Wine lots are blended and aged together to reach balance
• 50% cab sauv, 20% merlot, 20% cab franc and 10% petit verdot
• Aged for 22 months in French oak, 55% new and 45% neutral

T.N. - black fruit, savory green herbs, espresso and anise with gentle dusty tannins and bright acidity. Its a constant balance between sweet mulberry and savory

Pairing - beef, lamb, veal, poultry

Question 4

Stags Leap Petite Sirah

Answer 4

• 85% petite Sirah, 6% Syrah, 6% Grenache, 3% mixed Rhône’s
• Aged in 100% American oak (25% new) for 14 months

T.N. - vibrant and expressive. The spiciness of the American oak complements the natural spice of the varietal. Blackberry, black cherry, floral musky notes of violet and jasmine. Herbal notes of white pepper and crushed rock mineral notes. Juicy flavors of macerated blackberry, black licorice and peppery plum. Intense and robust with velvety tannins and acidity supporting throughout

Pairing - fatty steak, pork tenderloin, game, bbq, mushrooms

Question 5

The Prisoner

Answer 5

• Zinfandel with an unlikely mix of Cab sauv, petite Sirah, Syrah and charbono
• Blended grapes from more than 80 vineyards throughout Napa V.
• Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels (30% new)

T.N. - bing cherry, dark chocolate, clove and roasted fig. Persistent flavors of ripe raspberry, boysenberry, pomegranate and vanilla linger for a smooth and luscious finish

Pairing - apps rich in flavor (aged cheese), roasted veggies, steaks, dark chocolate