The 2019 label is "Cathedral of Trees" by Françoise Giraud. From their own vineyards (details not disclosed) on the eastern slope of St. Helena, the wine has a sweet aroma of flowers and spices, and a fresh fruitiness at the forefront, and is rich yet has a strong presence of finesse and elegance. It is highly regarded worldwide as a wine based mainly on Merlot.
2021 Label
The “Cascoute” that adorns the 2021 label was created by Marc Clauzad, a French painter born in 1957.
He is the artist who created the woman in the red dress in the 2012 vintage painting "Wine Bar."
Although the word cascoute is used to refer to a light meal, the painting vividly depicts the "beautiful chaos of the kitchen."
It is said to be a pictorial representation of a catchphrase by the late Julia Child, a renowned culinary expert known throughout the United States as the "mother of French cuisine."
Marc Crauzerd grew up in a family with a deep knowledge of art and fashion, with both his paternal and maternal grandmother having worked as designers for famous French fashion brands in the 1930s. After studying engineering at university, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts (National School of Fine Arts).
Shortly after graduating, he won the Grand Prix in the oil painting category at an exhibition in Paris, and his works began to be collected by museums around the world.
His retro style is characterized by attractive, vibrant colors and fluid brushstrokes with crisp lines.
Vintage Information
In 2021, rain fell in January and February, but there was little significant precipitation thereafter, creating ideal conditions for the grapes to flower and fruit in early spring, but yields were low.
Summer saw the start of veraison in early July, with no concerning heat waves, resulting in uniform ripening across Napa Valley and the earliest start to harvest in history.
There was no bad weather, so we were able to allow for a long hang time and harvest when the fruit was at optimal ripeness and flavor.
(The above is an excerpt from NVV vintage information)
Tasting Comments
Aromas of black fruits, mushrooms and violets with flavors of plum, kirsch and dark chocolate. A medium to full-bodied wine with beautiful balance and appealing character.
It can be enjoyed young, but can also be aged for a long time.
Vintage: 2021
Capacity: 1500ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Merlot 92%
Blend Variety: Cabernet Franc 8%
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Note: Limited quantity available
Winemaker: Heidi Peterson Barrett
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.6%