Philosophy:
To create the kinds of finished wines that make up our three Red Blends, it is critical that farming is controlled directly by the winery. Our blends are therefore produced from fruit grown at the Kuleto Estate and in our premiere estate vineyards throughout Napa County. Where we deliberately give up a bit of winery control is in our unusual approach to harvest and fermentation. Instead of waiting for enough of a particular variety to ripen fully for the sake of having a pure tank or lot, we often combine whatever fruit happens to be perfectly ripe at the moment. While co-fermentation of different varieties has not been the default protocol in the New World, it is intuitive and natural. It’s also the genesis of our multi-varietal blends.
Curious Blends:
Our blends are in essence three distinct interpretations of red wine. One Rhone style, one classic and Bordeaux-like, the other ‘Cal-Ital’. Beyond showcasing terroir and varieties, they give our winemaker, John Clews, a chance to express his own artistic vision of these three styles. By mixing grapes from different locations, John can create wines that are deep, lush, complex and wonderfully individualistic.
Native Son:
A collision of old and new world styles, the expected and not, this wine marries our juiciest and spiciest Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, our most opulent, warm, fruit-driven Zinfandel, some dark peppery Petite Sirah, and our mouthwateringly grippy Sangiovese - just enough to drive your senses crazy. The resulting blend conjures up images of old head-trained California mixed field plantings. The 2016 Native Son showcases enticing aromas of red and black berries with hints of nutmeg, toasted wood and a lingering spice. The palate is smooth with a silky mouthfeel that highlights the dark cherry and plum while notes of warm vanilla and baking spices give way to a lengthy satisfying finish.
- COMPOSITION:
- 27% Zinfandel
- 22% Malbec
- 20% Petite Sirah
- 20% Merlot
- 11% Tempranillo
- AGING: 16 months in French, American and Hungarian Oak, 33% new
- ALCOHOL: 14.5%
- pH: 3.89
- TA: 6.4 g/L