Curiously, while 2012 gave birth to the second-largest Cabernet Sauvignon crop in Flora Springs history, yields for the other varieties were close to the norm. As a result, nearly every drop of the 2012 Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot was ticketed for the 2012 Trilogy. As Steinauer began experimenting with blends at the Zinfandel Lane tasting table, he realized that in order to make another wine of Trilogy-like makeup, he needed the pitch, sinew, and floral angularity of the other varieties.

Over the course of nearly two months, Steinauer toyed with dozens of permutations, including blends that incorporated a small fraction of his soon-to-be-released 2011s. In February 2014, he zeroed in on a luscious — if improbable — assemblage comprised of 57% ultra-plush 2012 and 43% higher-toned, finely sinewed 2011. In March, Steinauer bottled 1,000 cases of Gamut.

The Flora Springs Gamut Proprietary Red is absolutely stunning. Deep purple/black to the rim, infused with mouthwatering aromas of crushed black fruits, black cherry, and black raspberry, tinged with sweet spice and graphite. Rich and beautifully balanced on the attack, the core shows all the plush concentration of 2012, while the addition of the higher-toned 2011s adds focus and Left Bank delineation. While sufficiently forward on release for early drinking (serve at 60 degrees), don't underestimate the sneaky structure that's long been the hallmark of Trilogy. Age for up to a decade in a cool cellar. The Gamut could use a little shut-eye.
APPELLATION
Napa Valley, California
ALCOHOL
14.00%
SIZE
750ml
BLEND
64% Cabernet Sauvignon; 28% Merlot; 8% Cabernet Franc
AGING/COOPERAGE
80% French Oak, 20% American Oak (1/3 New, 1/3 1yr old, 1/3 2yr old)

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