Wines
Tessitura Napa Valley, 2008
Our newest Bordeaux blend is Tessitura, Italian for texture, making use of the wide range of flavors and styles of wine produced from our estate vineyards. The carefully chosen lots were deftly entwined for richness and complex layers of flavor.
Vineyards
Fruit was harvested from select estate vineyards in a handful of renowned appellations. With their distinct terroirs, each of these appellations constitutes a singular thread, that the winemaker has woven together to craft a finished wine that is far more than the sum of its parts.
Harvest & Winemaking
The 2008 vintage was extremely variable, opening with an intense frost that resulted in limited fruit set, then proceeding to be one of the driest seasons on record which reduced berry weight further. A long, cool summer allowed flavors to develop fully before a heat wave encouraged prompt picking. The small but flavorful clusters were night-harvested mid through late September and underwent our rigorous sorting process prior to being placed into the press. After 13 days of extended maceration, the wine aged in 50% new French oak barrels before bottling in May 2010.
Tasting Notes
Youthful yet strikingly balanced, the 2008 Tessitura presents a lively nose of bright red cherry and raspberry fruit, strawberry shortcake and sassafras beneath hints of sweet vanilla, spun sugar and dried violets. Smooth and silky on the entry, the wine fills the palate with warm blueberry, loganberry and sweet red plum fruits. Secondary notes of cola, nutmeg and vanilla toast hit the mid-palate and endure through the lingering finish.
Food Pairing
As it possesses wonderfully vibrant character and roundedness, our 2008 Tessitura will best match with a simple, yet substantial offering, such as braised pork shoulder with Israeli couscous or a grilled flatiron steak with garden vegetables. Serve it with savory three-year aged Gouda for a delectable cheese course.
- SRP
- $60
- Purchase
- Varietal
- 57% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec
- Appellation
- Napa Valley
- Alcohol
- 14.3%
- Released
- January 2011
- Aging Potential
- 5-10 years