McGah Family Vineyards encompasses 65 acres in Rutherford near the Silverado Trail. Being on the east side of the valley, there is intense exposure that yields ripe and concentrated fruit. The area is hallowed ground for Cabernet Sauvignon while the McGah family is an exception to the norm, and we have collaborated together under a long-term contract to develop one acre of the Heritage Block with special soil preparation, site-specific rootstock (St.George), and fantastic clones of Grenache (515, Tablas D) and Mourvédre in our rows. The vines are trained traditionally in the Gobelet Method, with tight spacing (4x8). It has a slightly sloping benchland, so the soil is well drained with classic Rutherford red, dusty soil. McGah Family Vineyards celebrates the diversity of the Napa Valley.

The fruit was hand-harvested at dawn to retain the freshness and integrity of the clusters. Gravity fed to an open-top stainless steel fermenter, 40% whole cluster. We took a significant saignèe for concentration. Pumpovers continued for two weeks during the co-fermentation, and we pressed at dryness. The wine was aged for 18 months in 40% new French oak barrels. No fining, and lightly filtered.

The nose jumps out of the glass with a blend of fruits and herbs. Fennel, rosemary, and olive are wrapped in notes of strawberry, blackberry blossoms, and rhubarb pie. The wine has a medium body and is supported by balanced acid and supple tannins. Whole cluster fermentation offers some juicy carbonic notes but does not distract from the flavors of raspberry, tart Amarena cherry, coriander, and dusty cocoa. The long finish gives way to bright red berries behind the tannins. Intensity and concentration will aid in extended cellaring.