Community Tasting Note
-
LiteItOnFire Likes this wine:
April 1, 2021 - Dream Trip - Napa On A Mission - All My favorites Plus A Few New Ones; 4/1/2021-4/4/2021 (Napa Valley): NEW WINERY FOR OUR GROUP
2018 was a killer vintage for those that figured it out (those that didn’t it’s already obvious), a top vineyard manager Abreu, great terroir (Thorevilos), one of the hottest winemakers out there and the winery’s unique approach to not only making the best Merlot in Napa but have it stand on its own with the best representations from all over the world- very lofty goals but the results are already showing they are headed in the right direction- will they get there, too early to tell but I am intrigued and willing to take a ride on the journey with them as they figure it out.
This is not a Napa Merlot that is made every year and you scratch your head wondering why, this is a badass version that is on its way to legendary greatness as the vintages continue to be masterfully crafted. This winery and their wines will only get better and better (that was obvious as we tasted the second wine and everyone around the table were nodding their heads). I was desperately trying to stop others in my group from drinking their pour as I wanted to spend time with it in my glass but by the time I realized what was happening it was already too late.
Not having great experiences with Napa Merlot, I hesitate to provide future insight (guess) on the development however note to myself: hold this baby for another two years (2023) with a good decant.
While the wines are not for sale yet (thank you for allowing us the opportunity to tastes these), I would highly suggest signing up for the wait list as we will see great things from this winery and team of superstars. With new winemakers/wineries/vineyard managers/vineyards it sometimes can take a few years to produce a good more less great wine- with only 1-2 vintages under their belts, it seems like that extra time is not needed- can't wait to taste the 2019s if the 2018s are already at this level.
Unfortunately I am unable to rate as there must have been a hole in my glass as each of the four Kinsman wines were somehow gone before I was truly able to go through my rating process. Didn't figure this out until the third wine was poured (Kinsman Rhad) and even then barely had enough time to ponder. I will have to get another shot at these soon. So good!5 people found this helpful 3,585 views
1 Comment
-
msuwine commented:
4/7/21, 2:11 PM - Hey Lite! Thanks for the great notes. They remind me of way-back-when I got the hard copy of Robert Parker’s Napa report, and I’d need to spend a few days to absorb it all. The CT community thanks you (and your liver!).
It was this note where I went from strongly jealous to insanely jealous, since I share your love for this vineyard - and, to make matters worse, I’ve been a fan of Napa Merlot (unfortunately, the expensive kind) for a while now. Although Aubreu’s wine from the site is a blend, I was curious how much of a vineyard signature you could pick up. I guess you’ve also got the influence of a different (also crazy talented) winemaker, but I was curious how this compared (if you can remember!) to Brad’s work at the site.
Anyway, I’m sure I’ll have more questions, but the future of wines from the “Ecotone” vineyard is an interesting one for me right now. Anyway, thanks again - great, great notes!