The beginning of the 2006 growing season was somewhat cool and wet, prompting a decision by the Buoncristiani team to heavily thin out most of its Syrah fruit to 1 cluster per shoot. Besides a heat-spiked June, the balance of the summer and fall delivered mild warm weather, allowing for even and steady ripening of the small crop.

This blend was handcrafted from small lots harvested from vineyards on Howell Mountain, Yountville, and in the up-and-coming Coombsville area. These small batches were kept separate from the beginning and throughout the first year of aging barrel aging. During the second year of barrel aging, the components were blended in several phases creating optimum complexity while retaining balance, varietal character, and superior quality.

Tasting notes from Partner & Winemaker Jay Buoncristiani: “The ’06 delivers the Buoncristiani signature of excellent concentration of dark berry flavors, ripe fleshy tannin, and deep dark pigment. The barrel aging rounded out the palate even further; adding more texture, aroma, and flavor components. The wine is layered with deep aromas of cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate, caramelized oak, toffee, and the familiar notes of balance, depth on the mid palate, and that lengthy persistent finish.”

Blend: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 1% Merlot

Total Production: 318 Cases

Aging Potential: 4-12 years