Platinum Wines

The Poetry Vineyard, carved into a steep west-facing hillside, reaches from the highest elevations of the Stags Leap District appellation to the valley floor. This vineyard draws its uniqueness from shallow, volcanic soils atop fractured shale. Due to the stressful nature of the site, planted with high vine density and farmed to very low yields, the vines develop slowly and produce small flavorful berries.  The vineyard was designed by David Abreu and planted to legendary, proprietary heritage selections of Cabernet Sauvignon.

In the cool darkness of night, grapes were hand-picked into twenty-five-pound bins to minimize crushing. By early morning, the grapes were subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, which includes our cutting-edge optical sorter and a slow, individual berry hand sort. Whole berries were gently delivered by gravity to tank by our unique crane system, which kept the berries intact. Cold soaks lasted from five to eight days, and fermentations were managed through a combination of pump overs and délestage. Extended maceration of up to six weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles. Following twenty-one months of élevage in French oak barrels, 74% of which were new, the blend was selected from our best lots of the Poetry Vineyard.

There is an effortlessness and ease to the 2021 Poetry that springs from the continuity and familiarity of its caretakers and the experience of the vines themselves as their roots dig deep into the shallow unforgiving terraces of rock and rhyolitic crevices. Wafts of warm summer mulberries, fractured rock, and violet perfume envelop the glass. Wild blackberry preserves form the flavor on the entry and combine with tantalizing, black truffle, sea salt, and steak au poivre juices. Plush tannin swathes the finish and wraps the tongue in a mineral laden, majestic embrace where the flavors linger long and pleasingly – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

2022 Songbook is sourced from two acclaimed Napa Valley vineyards – David Abreu’s Madrona Ranch Vineyard, nestled in the foothills of the Mayacamas mountain range, and our Poetry Estate Vineyard. These vineyards produce grapes of exceptional character resulting from proprietary clones, extremely low yields, and meticulous farming.

In the cool darkness of night, grapes were hand-picked into twenty-five-pound bins to minimize crushing. By early morning, the grapes were subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, which includes our cutting-edge optical sorter and a slow, individual berry hand sort. Whole berries were gently delivered by gravity to tank by our unique crane system which kept the berries intact. Cold soaks lasted from five to eight days, and fermentations were managed through a combination of pump overs and délestage. Extended maceration of up to six weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles.

Deftly balanced and refined, the 2022 Songbook is a rich, dramatic wine that soars from the glass with aromas of cherries, blackberries, and pine forest floor mingled with hints of violets, mulberries, and Sichuan peppers. Cast iron, black pepper, and mincemeat pie flavors add savory elements. Layered and seamless, it is lithe and polished, with a core of fine supple tannins. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

Situated on the western Oakville bench, the celebrated Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has gravelly loam soils with high mineral content derived from sedimentary deposits of the volcanic Mayacamas Mountains and the alluvial fan of the Napa River. The vineyard has low organic matter content and thorough drainage, which devigorates the vines and produces small berries that are ideal for wines with intense concentration. The site is warm and sunny throughout the day, but cooled by late afternoon breezes, producing ripe Cabernet Sauvignon with lovely acidity. The blocks that make up our blend represent a diverse array of the Beckstoffer To Kalon terroir and clonal selection, creating a unique and extraordinary wine from this critically praised site.

In the cool darkness of night, grapes were hand-picked into small twenty-five-pound bins to minimize crushing. By early morning, the grapes were subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process which includes our cutting-edge optical sorter, and a slow, individual berry hand sort. Whole berries were gently delivered by gravity to tank by our unique crane system which kept the berries intact. Cold soaks lasted from five to eight days, and fermentations were managed through a combination of pump overs and délestage. Extended maceration of up to six weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles. This wine underwent twenty-one months of élevage in French oak barrels, 79% of which were new.

The sensuous 2022 To Kalon is endowed with a deep garnet color and gorgeous notions of violets, sandalwood, crème de cassis, smoked meats, black pepper, and garrigue with touches of chargrill, dried herbs, and mincemeat pie. Medium plus bodied, soft, and plush on the palate, it has tons of mouth-filling savory and blackberry preserves flavors and a very long, pure, savory finish. Balanced perfection from a legendary site. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

A selection of our finest estate and grower white wine barrels were blended to create the highest expression of the vintage. An old-vine Sémillon vineyard in Calistoga contributes to the blend’s density, and richness. Our fabulous young estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Sauvignon Musqué vines from our properties in the Stags Leap District, Carneros, and Calistoga add sumptuous orchard fruit flavors, delicate floral notes, and mouthwatering acidity.

The fruit was hand-harvested in the cool darkness of night and arrived at the winery at dawn. The grapes were then held in controlled low oxygen and cold temperatures. Our fruit underwent gentle, whole-cluster pressing, releasing the delicate, prized juices from the clusters and creating a deeper level of complexity. The juice was fermented in French oak barrels, 63% of which were new. All fermentations were conducted at cold temperatures to preserve the freshness of the fruit.

The gorgeous 2023 rendition of Marla features a beautiful perfume of honeysuckle blossoms, honeydew melon, and shortbread. The fresh acidity lends a lovely balance to the seamless entry where flavors of apricot marmalade, green apple pie, and lemony citrus oils coat the palate. These flavors are delicately tinged with allspice, nougat, and white chocolate notes. A precise, layered finish harmonizes with an ascension of supple flavors and aromas ending with a seductive orange blossom fragrance wafting through the senses. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking