In the NV18, the Cain Vineyard more than dominates, contributing over three-quarters
of the total, split evenly between the two vintages, while Merlot grown on the valley
floor provides a silky-fruity backdrop. The two vintages complement one another
beautifully: 2017 will be remembered for the first in a series of Napa wildfires, and most
of the 2017 component is Merlot harvested before the fires – lovely, light, perfumed lots
ideal for Cuvée. Then 2018, a truly wonderful year, gave the full gamut with which to
compose. The result is a wine of surprising complexity and depth that will age easily for
another decade or more.
