
Made from a single clone, Mariafeld, this Pinot is unique. The clone itself is from Switzerland (Switzerland is second to Italy in having the largest number of indigenous grapes) where Cuvaison’s owners have been farming for five generations. Therefore, this is something quite remarkable. “While the Mariafeld clone is uncommon in California,” winemaker Steve Rogstad says, “we’ve fallen in love with it.” This wine exhibits a richness and depth of fruit, veering away from typical strawberry notes and into boysenberry, black currant, raspberry and black cherry with back notes of allspice and cracked pepper. The acidity is spot on, the lushness and palate weight are terrific, and it is that very darkness that makes this so appealing. Aged 16 months in French oak, half of which were new barrels. This is truly a wine to seek out.
ORIGIN: Napa Valley, Los Carneros
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
PRICE: $60 / 750 ml
SCORE: 93 POINTS