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 exceptionally low yields, the vines develop slowly and produce small flavorful berries. The vineyard is 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 four weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles. Following twenty-one months of élevage in French oak barrels, 83% of which were new, the blend was selected from our best lots of the Poetry Vineyard.

This 2022 Poetry is a study in elegance and vibrancy. On the nose, it opens with ethereal aromas of mulberry, cassis, and red currant, followed by hints of dried fig, lending a subtle, refined sweetness. As the wine breathes, mineral-driven notes of chalk, talc, and slate emerge, grounding the fruit in a fresh and precise expression. A core of iron and violet flavors and aromas underscores the blend, offering a mouthfeel that feels both powerful and poised. The long finish is polished and integrates seamlessly with structured yet elegant tannins. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

The 2023 Songbook is sourced from three acclaimed Napa Valley vineyards. From legendary viticulturist David Abreu’s Madrona Ranch Vineyard, nestled in the foothills of the Mayacamas mountain range, and Lucia Vineyard planted atop Howell Mountain, and our esteemed 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 innovative optical sorter and a slow, individual berry hand sort. Whole berries were 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, 91% of which were new.

The elegant and flawlessly integrated 2023 Songbook flaunts an expressive nose of warm dark cherries, blackberries, and mulberries, mingled with hints of violets and a pine forest floor essence. The medium to full-bodied palate is taut with muscular black fruit layers, licorice, bay leaves, and savory notes of grilled herbs, cast iron, dried leaves, and tobacco. Notes of smoked cardamon and Sichuan peppers add complexity. It is lithe and polished with fine, supple tannins, great freshness, and a long, earthy finish. – 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 innovative 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, 81% of which were new.

The delicious 2023 Beckstoffer To Kalon opens with a complex tapestry of blackberry liqueur, crème de cassis, and violet, layered with savory hints of grilled steak, lavender, and warm spice. On the palate, the wine is elegant yet plush, where precise flavors of dark berry preserves meet a distinct earthy core of gravelly loam and fig. Undeniably age-worthy, the wine’s refined structure and seamless polish lead to a persistent finish marked by iron and subtle cracked pepper. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking