Made from grapes from young vines in the same vineyard as Scarecrow. Blended after fermentation in small batches. Aged in French barrels for 17 months (70% new barrels). The rich flavor of ripe fruit is reminiscent of cherry juice, and the silky smoothness leaves a vivid impression from start to finish, while also being full of complex flavors.
Monsieur Etang is a wine named after the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz and is made using grapes from young vines in the same vineyards as Scarecrow.
The label features a Tin Man, and while Scarecrow has a straw ribbon tied around its neck, Monsieur Etang has a wire charm tied around its neck, befitting the Tin Man.
Vintage Information - Vineyard Manager, Michael Wolff
In 2019, Rutherford received 1,140mm of rain, 1.8 times the annual rainfall in 2018 compared to 600mm, and the winter was very cold, with budbreak occurring about two weeks later than the previous year.
Heavy rain fell in mid-May, and the weather during flowering in June was unstable, so the crop yield was average.
Temperatures remained moderate and although a heat wave in August temporarily slowed vine growth, veraison was early and even.
Several cool nights in September helped the fruit retain its freshness and acidity.
Harvesting began with the Old Men (a nickname for an old tree that is about 70 years old).
The other non-irrigated plot is planted with the same combination of Saint-Georges rootstock and corn clones as Old Men.
The optimum time for ripeness was determined for each field block, and harvesting was completed on October 21st, with the final yield exceeding the average.
Technical Information - Winemaker Celia Welch
The wine is made using only grapes grown at JJ Cohn Estate in Rutherford and hand-harvested between October 12th and 21st, 2019.
The fruit was destemmed, sorted, and fermented in small stainless steel tanks, then aged for a total of 17 months in French barrels (75% new) before being bottled in April 2021, unfined and unfiltered.
Production volume is 2,700 cases.
Tasting Notes - Winemaker Celia Welch
Aromas of red fruits such as cranberries and plums, with delicate nuances of raspberry jam, cherry bonbons and pomegranate, as well as clove, vanilla, pipe tobacco and mahogany.
When you put it in your mouth, the richness and flavor of red fruits spreads.
The tannins are mild even when released, but with age the tannins become softer and more flexible.
The tannins are gentle and not particularly prominent now, but will become softer with age.
Vintage: 2019
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 87%
Blend: 8% Malbec, 4% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Nested AVAs, Others: Rutherford
Vineyard: JJCohn Estate
Note: Limited stock Sold out Parker Point 95 (Wine Advocate, End of October 2021) by Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Winemaker: Celia Welch
Winemaking: Stainless steel tank fermentation
Aging: 17 months in French barrels (75% new), unfiltered
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.7%