2018 Ritual will delight fans of this wine, which we have been making since 2007 as an homage to the pioneering, immigrant families who introduced these grapes to Napa Valley. The blend this year is 33% Grenache, 33% old vine Carignane, 25% Syrah and 9% old vine Petite Sirah. The fruit-forward character of the year has brought tons of high-toned fruit and spice aromatics of strawberry jam, raspberry coulis, five-spice, a dusting of white pepper, underbrush and sage to the glass. On the palate, the classic up valley richness and depth is there, with a lot power in reserve, but on a gorgeously juicy frame. Flavors of blackberry, oolong tea and damson plum abound and play off one another on the long, silky finish. Aged in mostly neutral French oak barrels for 19 months before bottling unfiltered.
Composed of 33% Grenache, 33% Carignane, 25% Syrah and 9% Petite Sirah, the 2018 Ritual Heritage Blend is deep garnet-purple in color, giving up floral notes of dried roses and lilacs over a core of ripe blackberries, plum preserves, fruitcake and smoked meats plus a waft of tilled soil. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it has a firm, grainy texture supporting the generous black fruit flavors and a long, uplifting finish.
The 300-case 2018 Ritual Red Blend checks in a one-third Grenache, one-third Carignan, and the balance Syrah and Petite Sirah, all fermented and aged in neutral barrels. Lots of blue fruits, charred meat, violet, graphite, and peppery notes emerge from this medium-bodied, elegant red blend that has impressive tannins as well as balance. It’s ideal for enjoying over the coming 7-8 years as well.
Combines suppleness with a core of simmering power, offering elegant tiers of raspberry, grilled garrigue and spiced smoke beef that build toward medium-grained tannins. Grenache, Carignane, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2027.
A fragrant nose of blueberries, stewed plums, some prunes, cloves and bay leaves. Herbal and peppercorn notes too. Full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Rich with a vibrant, spicy edge. 33% grenache, 33% carignan, 25% syrah and 9% petite sirah. Drink from 2022.
