Premiere Napa Valley Live Auction

Highlights

• 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from our very best barrels from the renowned Beckstoffer Georges III and To Kalon Vineyards
• Aging for 22 months in 100% new Tonnellerie Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels
• Winemaker Mike Smith expertly crafted a sensational blend that demonstrates why the Rutherford and Oakville appellations are so revered
• The wine presents a rich, deep garnet color that is inky-purple and shows notes of cassis, dark plums, graphite and artisan chocolate

Description

We arrived in Napa Valley for a 50th birthday celebration, with no intention of leaving as vintners. We arranged a cozy tasting session with our dear friends Mike and Leah Smith. Over the past decade, we indulged in Mike’s exceptional wines and witnessed his remarkable ascent in the wine industry. As expected, that evening, the wine and conversation began to flow effortlessly. At one point, Mike mentioned that certain rows of Cabernet Sauvignon in the historic Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III vineyard might be available. We knew that vintners waited years for the opportunity to work with grapes from Georges III, and that many never got the chance. Mike described to us in detail the premium terroir of the available rows, and wondered if we might be interested in procuring the grapes. The thought of becoming vintners had never entered our thoughts, but the opportunity to craft our own wine from a hallowed heritage vineyard in Napa Valley was nothing short of exhilarating. When Mike graciously extended his offer to not only create the wine but also share the wealth of knowledge amassed throughout his and Leah's extraordinary careers, our path forward became clear and our journey was charted.

Wine Facts

• Single vineyard wine
• Sustainably produced