One of the iconic wines of the world and one of my favorites is Cheval Blanc. I wanted to express that wines influence on me, and present a Napa Valley mountain expression of the same sensibility – a Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend. The inaugural release of Caladan is sheer beauty. Notes of rose petal, black tea, and cocoa draw you in while huckleberry and elegant tannins dance on your palate. These two varieties combine in perfect balance to create a wine with sultry layers and nuance that resonates long after the first sip.
The 2015 vintage was marked by a steady spring that did not see a huge amount of rain or temperature fluctuations. Warmer temperatures continued through the growing season and into late summer. These conditions caused the vineyards to bear less fruit and resulted in grapes that were small, concentrated and packed with immense flavor intensity.
61.5% Spring Mountain District Yverdon Vineyard
18.5% Howell Mountain W.S. Keyes Vineyard
15% Diamond Mountain District Wallis Vineyard
5% Mount Veeder Mt. Brave Vineyard
97 POINTS Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, February 2019
520 Cases
76.5% Cabernet Franc
23.5% Merlot
20 Months in French oak,
70% new
14.50%