As a winemaker, it is a privilege and a thrill to have the freedom to identify extraordinary lots within a vintage that deserve their own bottling. The 2021 “Right Bank” Red Wine was inspired by a block of Merlot within the Stagecoach Vineyard in the southeastern Pritchard Hill section. This area is known for its red volcanic soils, boulder-strewn clay loam, and solid rock outcroppings.
The block’s southwestern slopes benefit from warm days and moderate mid-day temperatures. What makes this spot unique is its position at the mouth of Foss Valley, overlooking Napa Valley, with a southerly view of the San Francisco Bay. A steady breeze usually comes up from the valley, providing more marine influence than the rest of the vineyard.
Each year, I survey our vineyard blocks for the “standouts,” as I begin to piece together the blending components for our wines. Sampling this block, I discovered the fruit had a gorgeous, intriguing character that I kept returning to. Early into harvest — even before we had finished picking our Chardonnay — the block exhibited beautiful, pure fruit with an earthy forest floor character and intense plum notes. I harvested it at 24˚ Brix to capture its unique profile.
Once in barrel, the wine continued to reveal its captivating qualities. I ultimately blended it with Merlot from Waters Ranch, along with 7% Malbec and 2.5% Cabernet Franc. The Malbec added vibrant fruit characteristics, while the Cabernet Franc highlighted the earthy notes, enhancing the wine’s complexity and depth. This blend, aged 18 months in 89% new French oak, resulted in a distinctive expression of mountain Merlot in the polished Pahlmeyer style.
This 2021 release happens to be our second “Right Bank” bottling. The first was made in 2009 by Winemaker Erin Green, and we enjoyed the last few beautifully aged bottles during our members’ retreat at Blackberry Farm this past March. When you uncork this new rendition, you’ll discover a deep, dark plum character with an intense forest floor earthiness, vibrant acidity, and beautifully refined tannins. This wine promises excellent cellaring potential and is a testament to the extraordinary caliber we relentlessly strive for.
– Winemaker Katie Vogt
