2016 John's Promise 1.5L

Blend Composition | 84% Cabernet Sauvignon 
16% Aglianico
Harvest Date | Sept. 29 - 30
Finished pH | 3.66
Finished TA | 6.5 g/L
Alcohol by volume | 14.6%
Production | 10 cases

VINTAGE
Despite the ongoing statewide drought, Napa Valley received close to average rainfall in 2015-16.  More than 12” fell in March 2016, ensuring that the vines had ample water as they emerged from dormancy.  The growing season was considerably cooler than in the previous two vintages, allowing us to harvest beautifully ripened grapes at the end of a long growing season.   

WINEMAKING
The Cabernet Sauvignon and Aglianico in this blend were harvested and fermented separately. After a brief cold soak, each lot fermented in 10-14 days. The wine was gently pressed off the skin to age in French oak barrels, 50% new barrels for the Cabernet and 16% new for the Aglianico.

TASTING NOTES
Beautifully clear, dark garnet in color. Hints of rose petal and black cherry on the nose, reminiscent of a Black Forest cake.  On the palate, it is like a fine dark chocolate melting on the tongue, or perhaps a ripe strawberry dipped in excellent chocolate.  The wine is dense and complex, foretelling a long future of ever increasing dimensions.  Nevertheless, the tannins are supple and it is easy and enjoyable to drink now.  However, this wine will open and gain in complexity over the next 10-15 years.

PAIRINGS
This wine will pair well with a flourless chocolate cake or a roast duck with berry compote.

- Matt Reid, Winemaker