Study in Blue
Red Wine, Napa Valley 2007
Vintage
The 2007 growing season in Napa Valley began dry and warm, with early budding, bloom and set. Low spring precipitation, followed by a relatively cool summer, allowed good hangtime and associated flavor development. While cluster counts were normal, the dry season led to smaller berries and lower yields. Overall, the vintage is noted for great acid levels and outstanding quality.
Vineyards
Well-established hillside vineyards are the foundation of this wine, giving the finished blend its intense inner core offruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were sourced from hillsides of Oakville, Rutherford and Spring Mountain District. Merlot was sourced from the Nichelini Vineyard in Chiles Valley, and the Syrah was drawn from Truchard Vineyards in northern Carneros.
Vinification
The grapes were handpicked at optimum ripeness. Following destemming, the grapes were stainless steel fermented and received extended skin contact before being transferred to barrels. The wine was aged in small French oak barrels for 24 months (80% new barrels) where the wine completed malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
With its blue hues and pronounced blueberry aromas, this distinct blend (65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, 10% Merlot) is a study in blue. Bordeaux varieties provide the framework, while Syrah transports the blend to a realm all its own. It's simply, Kind of Blue.
Press & Acclaim
2007 Vintage
93 points
" This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot stands up well against far more expensive Napa Valley cult Cabs. It's softly tannic, rich and decadently delicious in blackberry and cherry pie filling, licorice, chocolate, baking spice and sandalwood flavors. Gorgeous, dry and generous. It's a wine to drink now."
- Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide, November 2011 Download PDF
90 points
"On the nose, blueberry, blackberry, tobacco, sweet herbs, green herbs, brandy. On the palate, the fruit is opulent - with the Syrah really coming out strong, along with the black pepper and meat one would expect on a syrah. Strong tannins, nice acidity. A fun wine."
- Terroirist, August 2011 Download PDF
"The 2007 Study in Blue is complex and expressive, yet restrained enough to work well as a quenching summer drink. The wine offers distinctive blueberry and black plum aromas. Mediumbodied and smooth, it slides across the palate with notes of blueberry, black currant, plum and bramble with hints of cedar and black pepper toward the back of the palate. The wine would work well with simple fare, like grilled lamb or pork. For a more elegant meal, try it with pan-seared tuna or duck breast with blueberry sauce."
- Gayot, August 2011 Download PDF
92 points
"A blend of 65% Cabernet, 25% Syrah and 10% Merlot, this is a sumptuous red that evidences the class and complexity that a wine with its price tag should possess. Rich and ripe, with flamboyant flavors, it never seems heavy, but instead delights with a silky texture and long, lingering finish. Simply delicious!"
- Paul Lukacs, Wine Review Online, July 2011 Download PDF
Technical Data:
• Varietal Composition: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, 10% Merlot
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Alcohol: 14.8%
• TA: 0.61 g/100ml
• pH: 3.75
• Oak Aging: 24 months
• Oak Cooperage: French oak, 80% new
• Production: 1,050 cases
• Bottling Date: January 6, 2010
