Each year we produce a small production of Cabernet Sauvignon that we feel captures the spirit of our estate vineyard at the base of Atlas Peak.  These eroded volcanic soils yield wines that are very dark in color, intensely aromatic, varietally expressive, and loaded with soft tannins.  Every vintage, a certain part of the vineyard speaks to us, its wine standing out for its purity, richness, and balance—a stand-alone expression of our site.

Coming once again from “Block 3” in the heart of the estate vineyard, the 2023 wine is incredibly dark and structured.  This being a long, cool vintage, the grapes developed detailed, full-spectrum aromatics, as well as ample tannin and natural acidity.  Dark color and impressive opacity are marks of a cooler vintage as well, and the Estate 2023 certainly shows it.  Sure, there are black fruits at the core of the wine’s profile, but there is so much going on in terms of complexity.  Notes of slate, graphite, baking spices, creeping thyme and pomegranate all wrap around the center of fresh blackberry and bing cherry.  Aging in barrel for 20 months helps to polish the wine and further concentrate the complex flavors.

The tannic structure is firm but accessible, promising in terms of the wine’s ability to age for many years in the bottle.  Today, in its youth, the wine benefits from a decanting before serving.  With time in the bottle, it will continue to open and soften.  It will certainly continue to improve for 20 or more years in bottle.

Each year we produce a small production of Cabernet Sauvignon that we feel captures the spirit of our estate vineyard at the base of Atlas Peak.  These eroded volcanic soils yield wines that are very dark in color, intensely aromatic, varietally expressive, and loaded with soft tannins.  Every vintage, a certain part of the vineyard speaks to us, its wine standing out for its purity, richness, and balance—a stand-alone expression of our site.

Coming once again from “Block 3” in the heart of the estate vineyard, the 2023 wine is incredibly dark and structured.  This being a long, cool vintage, the grapes developed detailed, full-spectrum aromatics, as well as ample tannin and natural acidity.  Dark color and impressive opacity are marks of a cooler vintage as well, and the Estate 2023 certainly shows it.  Sure, there are black fruits at the core of the wine’s profile, but there is so much going on in terms of complexity.  Notes of slate, graphite, baking spices, creeping thyme and pomegranate all wrap around the center of fresh blackberry and bing cherry.  Aging in barrel for 20 months helps to polish the wine and further concentrate the complex flavors.

The tannic structure is firm but accessible, promising in terms of the wine’s ability to age for many years in the bottle.  Today, in its youth, the wine benefits from a decanting before serving.  With time in the bottle, it will continue to open and soften.  It will certainly continue to improve for 20 or more years in bottle.

In the eastern reaches of our estate vineyard near Soda Canyon, a small creek has formed a lovely alluvial deposit over the course of millennia. It is in this part of the property where we planted white grapes, as they are perfectly matched to these soils. The grapes are harvested when they are high in acidity but relatively low in potential alcohol. The juice is pressed whole-cluster and fermented in a combination of new, neutral, and stainless steel barrels. This technique, as well as aging on the lees for several months, gives the wine a highly expressive character while adding weight and length.

2024 will be looked upon as a classic vintage in the Napa Valley. Well-timed, ample winter rains had the vines starting the season with plenty of horsepower and vigor, growing strong shoots and setting a balanced crop. The summer was warm, but not excessively so, and the fruit developed steadily and uniformly. The white grapes from our estate were harvested in the last week of August, the “new normal” for the last few vintages. Acidity and aromatics were high, making for very expressive, mouthwatering wine. The 2024 Caryn Renae is fresh and perfumed, with notes of meyer lemon, grapefruit rind, white peach and subtle baking spices. Flowing across the palate, these fruit flavors continue with a long, bright finish. Tropical and citrus notes dominate this young wine, but there are plenty of layers—flowers, spices, mineral notes—that will emerge as it ages in the cellar.

In the eastern reaches of our estate vineyard near Soda Canyon, a small creek has formed a lovely alluvial deposit over the course of millennia. It is in this part of the property where we planted white grapes, as they are perfectly matched to these soils. The grapes are harvested when they are high in acidity but relatively low in potential alcohol. The juice is pressed whole-cluster and fermented in a combination of new, neutral, and stainless steel barrels. This technique, as well as aging on the lees for several months, gives the wine a highly expressive character while adding weight and length.

2024 will be looked upon as a classic vintage in the Napa Valley. Well-timed, ample winter rains had the vines starting the season with plenty of horsepower and vigor, growing strong shoots and setting a balanced crop. The summer was warm, but not excessively so, and the fruit developed steadily and uniformly. The white grapes from our estate were harvested in the last week of August, the “new normal” for the last few vintages. Acidity and aromatics were high, making for very expressive, mouthwatering wine. The 2024 Caryn Renae is fresh and perfumed, with notes of meyer lemon, grapefruit rind, white peach and subtle baking spices. Flowing across the palate, these fruit flavors continue with a long, bright finish. Tropical and citrus notes dominate this young wine, but there are plenty of layers—flowers, spices, mineral notes—that will emerge as it ages in the cellar.