2016 Vintage Notes:

The 2016 vintage is the last of Napa's recent drought years. Luckily, late spring rains helped recharge the soil profile giving a strong start to the season. The early season started off well with no frosts or big temperature spikes. After the cool spring of 2015, this uneventful spring was welcome. Mild temperatures continued into August and allowed for outstanding flavor development and retention of acid. 2016's moderate yields and ideal temperatures are apparent with the expressive fruit flavors and freshness showing in the glass.

Tasting Notes:

Our 2016 La Vaquera blend is bursting with fruit. Reminiscent of a California field blend, this big berried blend is filled with candied cherry, sun-warmed strawberry, and dark tangy notes of brambly blackberry. Buried amongst the fruit is a sweet floral note, black pepper, and chocolate. The mouth is filled with fruit and a voluminous, silky texture. This wine is compact in the mouth, showing generous sweet cream and those notes of lush rich chocolate and black pepper again. It resolves quickly leaving only the rich warmth behind.

Vineyard & Winemaking Notes:

In 2012, when a bit of our Malbec, Petite Syrah, and Petit Verdot was left over after blending the Cabernet Sauvignon, we experimented by tossing them all together, creating a rich, inky and powerful “mountain” blend. It was so distinct and so delicious, that we decided to bottle it. La Vaquera was born.

La Vaquera is “the cowgirl” in Spanish, and this wine is our little cowgirl. She isn’t following any rules. With an untraditional blend and a bold character, this wine is always pushing the limits. The flavors and spiced texture are excellent when paired with the flavorful smoked meats or wild game. This wine hails mainly from the Swickard Vineyard in the northern reaches of the warm Calistoga AVA. Appropriately, it is owned by the founders of Five Dot Ranch, the well-regarded organic meat producer, and purveyor.