***THIS IS A HALF-BOTTLE SIZE (375ML) SOLD BY THE CASE ONLY***

The Ancien 2007 Carneros designate comes predominantly from the Toyon Farm, located on the Napa side of the Carneros District. Underneath the typical Carneros clay and alluvial soils are layers of shale, which add spicy notes to the darker, more brooding flavors and aromas. Ancien planted the first block of this vineyard in 1998 with cuttings originating from the Swan estate in the Russian River Valley, whose cuttings date back to the Burgundy Region of France from the 1950's and '60's. The in 1999 some newer clones were planted to complement those flavors. For additional intrigue, there was a small amount of old vine Martini selection fruit from a nearby vineyard added in, for lighter layers of floral aromas, sandalwood, and red fruits.

Tasting Notes from Winemaker Ken Bernards: “The nose opens with a burst of fresh, just-ripened cherry fruits moving towards a richer dried cranberry and kirsch, spiced with chocolate, cloves, and baking spices. Aromas open up to exhibit an exotic, perfumed overlay of sarsaparilla, cola, sandalwood, rose petal and lilac. The palate is well-structured, exhibiting a balanced basket of black, brambly fruit, plum, ripe cherry and strawberry, spiced with cardamom and dark chocolate. The mid-palate is lush and deep, lifted with a fresh wash of acidity and followed by mouth-filling tannins. This wine will grow darker and deeper with time, finding a more brooding expression after 3-5 years, and the balanced structure of acidity and tannin will support the graceful aging of this wine for the next decade.”