A landmark vintage release from John Anthony, marking the first single-vineyard edition of La Dame Michele. A sparkling wine born of the standards practiced by the great Champagne houses, with five years spent en tirage. Aromas of Fuji apple and fresh almond anticipate notes of citrus blossom, lemon shortcake and lychee. The mouthfeel is flush with structure, delicacy and length, exhibiting refined effervescence and luscious acidity. A masterful wine that will age beautifully for decades to come.
“A classic barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc from our Church Vineyard estate in the Los Carneros AVA. A seamless, pale-honey hue sets the tone. The nose is up front with papaya, baked peach and tropical blossom, trailed by suggestions of meringue and macadamia. The palate is layered with precision and elegance, showing flavors of ripe mango, guava, crème fraiche and amphora. Zippy acidity softens into a lasting finish. A blend of the Musqué (80%) and Western (20%) clones, barrel fermented and aged in 33% new French oak barrels for enhanced dimension and complexity.”
“The merlot vines that John planted at Crane Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District in 1996 continue to gain in maturity and stature. The 2019 vintage displays the breadth that is possible from this cornerstone estate. Aromas of pomegranate and dried blueberry are underscored by violets, mocha, black licorice and baking spices. An expressive palate shows flavors of baked boysenberry, ripe olallieberry, sweet tobacco and lavender. Dusty tannins linger on a structured finish."
Vintage notes: Abundant early rainfall, a relatively warm summer and moderate harvest weather set the tone for an excellent merlot vintage at Crane Vineyard in 2019. The reliable cooling effect from San Pablo Bay played its perennial role in fostering pure varietal merlot character, a hallmark of this site.
"Despite being less than one acre, the Hermitage clone at Crane Vineyard continues to be the dominant force in this vineyard-designated syrah. Classic varietal aromas lead the way: dark fruits, lilac, cedar, charcuterie and herbs de Provençe. Dense flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry and black cherry expand with accents of smoked game, dark earth, graphite and cardamom. Grainy tannins bring the wine to a resounding conclusion. A tour-de-force syrah from one of the first vineyards John planted in the Oak Knoll District nearly 25 years ago. "
Vintage notes: A perfect confluence of conditions brought the Crane Vineyard syrah to an impressive conclusion in 2019. Plentiful winter rainfall, a warm summer and a mild harvest season paved the way for a balance of richness and vibrancy, including the savory cooler-climate syrah qualities that make this wine such a standout.
"Our first release from a micro-estate adjacent to the home of John Anthony Truchard, prized for its distinct position in the Los Carneros AVA. Deep garnet hues anticipate classic cool-climate aromas of briar fruits, lavender, cracked pepper and cured meat. A high-toned entry leads to enveloping flavors of black cherry, huckleberry and Lucques olive with accents of graphite and smoked game. Tightly wound tannins crescendo with feathery breadth on the finish. A powerfully elegant wine that inaugurates a new era for John Anthony Syrah."
Vintage Notes: Mild weather created ideal conditions at the start of the 2020 growing season, with an early bud break prompted by a relatively dry winter. A warm summer in Napa Valley found moderation in Los Carneros by way of marine breezes from San Pablo Bay. The Syrah crop was marked by small berries that ensured notable structure and concentration.
“The tiny four-acre Coombsville Vineyard produces powerful and expressive fruit. Head trained, spur pruned and dry farmed, its vines produce limited yields of the highest quality—worthy of our single vineyard collection. The 2019 presents dark, brooding hues in the glass. Deep blackberry, pluot and blue fruit aromas are accentuated by notes of dried herbs and graphite. The blue and black fruit impressions continue on the palate, accompanied by blue flowers, pepper and gravelly soil. An immensely cellar-worthy wine that delivers power, depth and structure on the finish. Aged for 28 months in 70 percent new French oak barrels, only 250 cases produced.”
“Epps Vineyard is the smallest of our Oak Knoll District estates at just under two acres—a coveted micro-site that yields exceptionally elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich, ruby hues set the tone. A deep bouquet of currant and dried raspberry reveals hints of mocha, stone and sweet pipe tobacco. Flavors of savory berry compote, cherry and rhubarb carry trailing notes of leather, toffee, loam and cardamom. A light, dusty entry gains a firm grip on the mid-palate, all finishing with breadth, stature and balance. This vintage marks our second ultra-limited vineyard designate from this essential John Anthony estate. Aged for 28 months in 70 percent new French oak barrels, only 150 cases produced.”
“GnR Vineyard spans just 2.5 acres of gravelly, benchland soils in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, from which only the finest lots were barrel selected for this vineyard designate release. Deep, purple-ruby hues shimmer in the glass. Chambord, cassis and blackberry aromas are accentuated by lilac and coffee bean. A beautiful tension relaxes in a steady progression across the palate, releasing complex flavors of black cherry, dark stone fruits, cigar box and summer forest floor. The finish exhibits impeccable length and elegance. Aged for 28 months in 87 percent new French oak barrels, only 150 cases produced.”
“R/D Vineyard spans less than four acres of rich, volcanic soils in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, notable for producing Cabernet Sauvignons that are energetic and highly textured. The 2019 vintage boasts a deep, ruby-garnet color in the glass. A seductive nose suggests blackberry pudding and fig compote with hints of savory spice, anise, white truffle and earth. A heady entry delivers dark red fruits, late summer cherry and marionberry with impressions of confectioner spices, dried violets, cedar and gravelly stone. The mid-palate intensity yields to finesse and length on the finish. This vintage marks our second ultra-limited vineyard designate from this essential John Anthony estate. Aged for 28 months in 75 percent new French oak barrels, only 150 cases produced.”
“The 2018 vintage marks the second micro-production vineyard designate from this windswept hillside estate in the Oak Knoll District. Fresh red and black fruits complement a mineral core with notes of dark chocolate, pipe tobacco and black peppercorn. A rich texture displays concentrated flavors of ripe berries, black currant, cherry and mocha. Fine-grained tannins set the pace for a commanding finish. Twisted Oak is one of the first vineyards that John planted and this wine shows why it merits a special place in our portfolio.”
Wine Profile: Color: Inky ruby no rim variation Aroma: Warm fig, blackberry muddled, pencil shaving, obsidian Flavor: Ruddy plum and cherry framed by decadent black berries, sweet pipe smoke and dark chocolate Drink When: Now with patient decanting and for the next 20+ years, expect fruit and tannins to slowly evolve, acid will preserve secondary and tertiary to show minerality
