Levy & McClellan



2004 GROWING SEASON Higher than average rainfall (38 inches) with the rains continuing well into spring, delaying bloom and set. The temperatures for the rest of the growing season were below average, with only 1 day over 100 degrees (in June) and 29 days over 90 degrees for the remainder of the season. Total degree days were 2996. Harvest began with Merlot on September 27 after waiting for and achieving ideal maturity, and the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot all were completed by October 24. Average yield: 2.5 tons per acre. TASTING NOTES 2004 LEVY & McCLELLAN New tasting notes for 2004 LEVY & McCLELLAN coming soon 2004 AMPERSAND In 2004, we had the good fortune to be able to select out a small amount of wine to make up the 2004 AMPERSAND, the perfect companion to LEVY & McCLELLAN. Uncompromising viticultural practices and meticulously detailed vinification rewarded us with a pallet of remarkable lots from which we had the privilege of blending LEVY & McCLELLAN. After completing the selection for the LEVY & McCLELLAN blend, it is sometimes possible to parcel out a few remaining barrels from the top lots for further evaluation. Through extensive tasting our goal is again to create a wine equally pure in its expression of the vineyard. The 2004 AMPERSAND has bright aromas and charming acidity characteristic of the season and showcases a ripe, velvety texture with concentrated fruit flavors. _____________________________________________________ 2005 GROWING SEASON The moderate weather pattern in 2005 yielded optimal conditions for an exemplary vintage. Unseasonably plentiful rainfall into late spring triggered early bud break and rapid shoot growth. Cool weather through spring and summer delayed both flowering and veraison. The ensuing late harvest provided ideal circumstances for excellent tannin maturity and a slow, deliberate development of a ripe and fleshy flavor profile. Harvest began with Merlot on September 27 and the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot all were completed by October 24. Average yield: 2.5 tons per acre. TASTING NOTES 2005 LEVY & McCLELLAN Uncompromising viticultural practices and meticulously detailed vinification rewarded us with a wine of great concentration and ripeness. The round supple tannins in the 2005 LEVY & McCLELLAN are the result of the cool growing conditions and the extended ripening. As the wine develops, the expression of the site where it is grown continues to come to the forefront. Accentuated by the low yield in a year known for more generosity, combined with 26 months in barrel, the result is a profoundly concentrated, supple and full-bodied wine. 2005 AMPERSAND AMPERSAND is, so to speak, the little sister of the LEVY & McCLELLAN. The fruit comes from the same meticulously cared for hillside vineyard, undergoes the same intense scrutiny and stems from many of the same lots that make up the LEVY & McCLELLAN. Once we have completed the rigorous selection for the LEVY & McCLELLAN blend, we are (sometimes, often, in good years) able to parcel out a few remaining barrels from the top lots for further evaluation. Extensive tasting and fresh discernment inspire the unfolding of a wine equally pure in its expression of the vineyard, the 2005 AMPERSAND. The moderate alcohol, bright flavors and charming acidity of the final blend are characteristic of the cooler, longer 2005 growing season, while the luscious fruit, seamless balance and long supple tannins are attributed to the small crop of only 4-5 clusters per vine. _____________________________________________________ 2006 GROWING SEASON A second successive wet winter along with late spring rains and a slightly later than normal bud break gave us a good start to encourage the new shoots. The remainder of the growing season was warmer than 2005, however, it was not as warm a year as earlier vintages. We had several days over 100 degrees and many days over 90 degrees. Harvest began with timing similar to that of 2005. Merlot was harvested on September 28, after enjoying the ability to achieve steady, measured ripening. The harvesting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot began on October 9 and finished on October 24. Average yield: 1.2 tons per acre TASTING NOTES 2006 LEVY & McCLELLAN The 2006 LEVY & McCLELLAN is truly a child of the vineyard’s distinct location. Situated along a geological fault line and nestled into the foot of the Mayacama mountain range, the site is an intermingling of two distinguishing soil types; oceanic and volcanic. The dense, ripe tannins reflect the temperate growing season as the wine continues to develop, expressing the notable characteristics of its origin. Emphasized by the dense 3x5 spacing, a consistently small berry size and markedly low yield, the result is a small amount of exceptionally full-bodied wine steeped in layers of resounding concentration. Commitment, patience and 28 months in barrel have integrated the rich tannins, adding further weight and enhancing the sumptuous elegance of the wine. 2006 AMPERSAND New tasting notes for 2006 AMPERSAND coming soon _____________________________________________________ 2007 GROWING SEASON Less than normal rainfall during the winter months and a dry spring made up the beginnings of this renowned vintage. Spring temperatures were cool and remained moderate throughout the summer with many days in the 90’s, but only 2 that were above 100 degrees. Summer was then followed by an even cooler September, allowing for a slow and evenly paced harvest and the development of optimal maturity. Harvest began with Merlot on September 4th and finished on October 3rd with the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdict coming in respectively. TASTING NOTES 2007 LEVY & McCLELLAN There are but a handful of times that it is possible to stand in awe of a vintage from beginning to end. 2007 presented just such an opportunity. Intense fruit flavors showed already in the early days of September with the sweet tannins ripening and softening not long thereafter. The 2007 LEVY & McCLELLAN exhibits a smooth and seamless balance, luscious red and black fruit and an exceptionally long finish. The 2007 vintage will undoubtedly be one for the history books and quite possibly, one of a few in a lifetime. A most extraordinary experience to be sure and truly a gift of nature. 2007 AMPERSAND The 2007 AMPERSAND is a true uniting of vintage and vineyard. Loaded with rich supple tannins and vibrant fruit flavors, it is full-bodied, stacked with layers and silky in its lingering finish. We are enthusiastic about the pleasure this wine already offers and excited about its certain potential for aging. _____________________________________________________ 2008 GROWING SEASON The below average precipitation during the winter and minimal rainfall in March and April set the stage for an even and rapid bloom. As the season progressed, there were notable temperature swings throughout the summer. We experienced as many days in the 70’s as we had in the 90’s and only a few days over 100 scattered in between. Cooler days from late August on into September allowed for ideal physiological maturing of the fruit and provided an optimal platform for picking. Harvest was slightly early and shorter than normal, beginning on September 2nd with the Merlot, and wrapping up by September 18th with the Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. Average yield: 0.9 tons per acre TASTING NOTES 2008 LEVY & McCLELLAN The 2008 vintage showcased itself from the very beginning and only got better as the season progressed. The ripeness and flavors in the fruit were well developed by harvest time and the intensity of the fruit character prominent at an early stage. The 26 months of extended time in the barrel enhanced the already well-established weight and concentration. The 2008 LEVY & McCLELLAN is a dense, opulent wine, with sweet tannins and a beautiful purity of fruit. Offering exceptional aging potential, the supple texture, velvety richness and vibrant charm balance one another to completeness. 2008 AMPERSAND The 2008 AMPERSAND likewise exhibits the notably pronounced characteristics of the vintage, a year of moderate temperatures and slightly lower rainfall. Bloom was even and rapid and allowed for an optimal platform on which the maturation of the tannins and thorough development of flavor could take place. The wine itself has a concentrated middle of ripe fruit and charming finesse that is followed by a finish of ongoing length. We are enthusiastic about the end result and pleased to present this wine for your total enjoyment. _____________________________________________________ 2009 GROWING SEASON Though rainfall was little more than two-thirds of normal (24 inches) for the third year in a row, the timing of the precipitation was perfect. Couple that with the lack of frost and the mild, relatively cool growing season throughout spring and the stage was set for a perfect beginning. Budbreak was in Early April. The balance of spring was very mild, with lows in the 50’s and highs mostly in the 80’s. Peak bloom was the third week of May. Late spring rains delayed irrigation needs and the warm spell in June helped curtail excessive canopy development. Normally, nearly 14 days of 100°F plus temperatures mark a typical growing season, however 2009 counted perhaps only four or five overall. The mild summer temperatures brought on veraison in the second week of August. Once again, mild temperatures (the theme for this vintage) in September (mostly in the 80’s and only a few days reaching into the 90’s) allowed for ideal physiological maturing of the fruit and provided an optimal platform for deliberate and measured harvesting. Harvest began on September 15 and finished on the 12thof October, just before nearly 4 inches of rain rolled in. Average yield: 2.0 tons per acre. TASTING NOTES 2009 LEVY & McCLELLAN The 2009 LEVY & McCLELLAN is a wine that we see aging with elegance, increasing in intensity while holding on to its freshness and the powerful essence of slowly ripened fruit. Every once in a while, through the strength of its individual components, a wine has the potential to completely surpass expectations on its way to becoming a whole. We are pleased to extend our offering of this wine to you, sharing our belief and anticipation that this is just such a remarkable gem. 2009 AMPERSAND As a compliment to our flagship wine, LEVY & MCCLELLAN, we are pleased to offer AMPERSAND. This wine highlights the distinct qualities of the vineyard site and combined with the characteristics unique to the growing season, offers immeasurable charm, superb elegance and very fine tannin structure. The 2009 AMPERSAND can be noted for its lusciousness of ripe, red fruit, bright high notes and beautiful sense of precision and purity. _____________________________________________________ 2010 GROWING SEASON Rainfall returned after three dry years, but bud break came on at the normal time (1st of April). The ensuing days brought a cooler than normal spring, with rains into May and helped to delay flowering and fruit-set by about two weeks (Mid-June). The summer brought cooler than normal temperatures, mostly between 75 F and 85 F, where constant vigilance and rigorous canopy management was the requisite practice to achieve good airflow and perfect light exposure on the developing clusters. Veraison began in earnest around mid-August and finished very evenly and rapidly. The relatively cool growing season culminated with a few unexpected heat spikes in late August. Cooler than average temperatures retuned again in early September, but gave way to a welcome, warm and consistent Indian Summer resulting in a late and fairly shortened harvest. The flavors were concentrated yet elegant, showing great balance and structure. 2010 was an atypical growing season for Napa Valley and reminds us of a balance and finesse more similar to one found in Bordeaux in a great year. Average yield: 1.85 tons per acre. TASTING NOTES 2010 LEVY & McCLELLAN The 2010 LEVY & MCCLELLAN reflects this distinguishable growing season with a wine that is both bright and vibrant in its fruit profile while at the same time hosting an underlying richness and overall sense of harmony. The succulent, dense black fruits, Asian spice and creamy texture flow across the palate, building incrementally in the mouth to an ever-evolving finale. 2010 AMPERSAND As a compliment to our flagship wine, LEVY & MCCLELLAN, AMPERSAND highlights the distinct qualities of the vineyard site and combined with the characteristics unique to the 2010 growing season, offers immeasurable charm, superb elegance and very fine tannin structure. We love the attributes of the ripe red fruits, elegant finesse and dense, velvety texture that the 2010 AMPERSAND honed from this amazing vintage. _____________________________________________________ 2011 GROWING SEASON For the second year in a row we had a solid wet winter and the rains continued into spring and in fact we had a bit of rain even as late as June. Bud beak, however, was normal, with most buds out by the end of the first week of April. With a cooler than normal spring and continued occasional moisture, the time from budbreak to bloom was longer than normal, averaging about 68 days (where normal runs closer to 50 days) reaching full bloom the first week of June. The trend for the season continued, as cooler weather prevailed and the time between Bloom and Veraison averaged about 82 days, putting veraison at the end of August. The one constant, even as summer weather stayed mild, with few days over 90 and most hovering between the high 70’s and 90 degrees. The typical phenological stages all took extended times from onset to completion, allowing for amazingly uniform and consistent ripening to occur. At times we find ourselves with only 175 to 185 days from budbreak to bloom, however, in 2011, we enjoyed the rare luxury of well over 200 days of growing season. It is for this reason we reflect back on what some consider to be a cool growing year, but we refer to as a blessing in the ability to achieve incredible ripeness at slightly lower brix levels with unbelievable development of flavor, color, seed maturity and supple skin tannins- velvety and plush. When we look at the challenges associated with getting ripe mature tannins in warm years and compare that with the accomplishments of 2011, we begin to understand the focus of our colleagues who grow Bordeaux varieties regularly in cooler growing conditions than our norm. It seems that we both strive for a similar end point- in other words, ripe flavors and ripe tannins that are soft rather than not harsh and drying. We typically approach that middle point from opposite ends of the spectrum, however in recent years we each have had the ability to appreciate the focus and efforts needed to reach that goal from both those extremes- from warm years and from cool years. Through extended efforts at each step of the way- in our viticultural practices- from more shoot positioning and leaf removal to allow reception of more sunlight, to extensive thinning, (even though the crop level was already lower than average), to more critical selection at the time of blending- we are proud of the results and proud to present the 2011 wines to you. We feel the wines from 2011 are extremely exciting- they show an energy and vibrancy not seen in warmer years, and share a balanced maturity with a plush and supple finish. TASTING NOTES 2011 LEVY & McCLELLAN The 2011 is a vintage of its own - a child of diversity, attitude and suspense. Some called it challenging, we think of it as a majestic tribute to the testament of experience and dedication. It is one of those mysteries in life that unveil themselves with time and patience, surpassing all expectations and bringing purity and true appreciation. ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’ rings particularly true for the 2011 vintage. For the second year in a row, we were blessed with considerable rainfall during the winter months, a fairly cool spring and a timely bud break. Challenging our expertise, it demanded meticulous attention in the vineyard as well as extreme selection both for green thinning on the vine and of the grapes received on the sorting table. We ferment 100% in small, 60 gallon French oak barrels and are thus able to monitor and provide fastidious catering to the minute needs of each and every individual lot. The overall length of the growing season was unusual and of significant benefit, as it allowed substantial time for the fruit to achieve ideal ripeness in flavors and the tannins to reach optimum maturity. We were able to pick at a slightly lower brix and capture a vibrant brightness often found in wines of slightly lower alcohol levels. 2011 AMPERSAND In years that are deemed 'challenging', in order to select the ultimate barrels for the flagship blend, many phenomenal lots become destined for what we consider our ‘complementary’ blend, the AMPERSAND. We had an incredibly beautiful pallet from which we were able to blend the 2011 AMPERSAND and are excited by the outcome. We are delighted to be able to offer a wine of soft tannins, elegant balance and sweet charm. It is a blend to enjoy for its delicate finesse and a tribute to our dedication in presenting the highest quality wines possible in each and every vintage. _____________________________________________________ 2012 GROWING SEASON The 2012 is an exceptionally luscious vintage with a relatively dry growing season that, other than a few heat spikes interspersed throughout, was of moderate temperatures. Conditions were ideal for complete ripening and optimal flavor development. Tannins matured early leading to rich, dense, fruit-dominated concentration soon after veraison. This allowed for a leisurely picking schedule and the ability to wait for the perfect moment to harvest. After the shy yields of 2010 and 2011, we are pleased that the high quality of the 2012 vintage has allowed us to select a slightly larger quantity of lots for the 2012 blend and thus offer a bit more wine to satisfy increased demand. TASTING NOTES 2012 LEVY & McCLELLAN The 2012 LEVY & McCLELLAN is truly a classic Cabernet blend in it’s purity and succulence. We aged it twenty eight months in new french oak barrels, marrying the sweet, ripe and powerful tannins with the richness of the dark fruit and exotic spice flavors characteristic of the vineyard site. The wine showcases a unique combination of youthful charm complimented by a sophisticated balance that extended barrel aging confers. 2012 AMPERSAND The 2012 AMPERSAND is another example that highlights the qualities of this impressive and memorable vintage. In reflection, the 2012 growing season, which began with a fairly dry spring with moderate and consistent temperatures followed by an early development of intense fruit flavors, contributed to a complete softening of the tannins. The 2012 AMPERSAND expresses a silky, fruit forward entry, expanding to a mid-palate of ripe red fruit, black cherry, blueberry pie and spice. Balanced by a seamless texture and vivacious ripeness, the finale is one of a long, lingering and memorable finish. _____________________________________________________ 2013 GROWING SEASON A warm dry spring brought about a fairly early bud break, with most buds out by the end of the first week of April (fully 2 weeks earlier that in 2012). Even with erratic spring temperatures fluctuating between unusually cool to unusually warm along relatively little precipitation, the length of time from budbreak to bloom was fairly normal, averaging about 45-50 days, reaching full bloom the third week of May. This ‘normal’ trend continued for the season, even as somewhat erratic daytime temperatures prevailed into the summer. The time between Bloom and Veraison averaged about 75-80 days, putting veraison at the beginning of August. With the exception of one short period of hotter than normal daytime highs from late June into early July, from that point on through harvest, the weather managed to stay consistent and well within the zone for optimal vine activity- with daytime highs mostly between 75 and 90 degrees F. The length of overall growing season (budbreak to harvest) was also a typical 175 to 190 days. As we reflect back on what started out to be a very uneven weather cycle throughout the first half of the growing season, with daytime highs fluctuating between well below average to well above average – and never really hitting a constant pattern in between, we can’t help but focus on the contrast of that compared to the tremendous uniformity of temperatures we enjoyed in the second half of the growing season. We attribute this uniformity of daytime temperatures lasting from veraison through harvest with the ability to easily achieve complete ripeness allowing for concentrated flavors, dark color, full seed maturity and supple skin tannins. The harvest, for us, was quite extended, beginning on September 17 with the Merlot and continuing through October 16 with Petite Verdot. The 2013 vintage gave us the extraordinary ability to pick exactly the areas of the vineyard we wanted to harvest, at exactly the time we wanted to harvest them and all at perfect physiological ripeness. Average overall yield: 1.71 tons per acre. TASTING NOTES 2013 LEVY & McCLELLAN The 2013 LEVY & McCLELLAN showcases a sweet, powerful tannin structure, velvety texture and ever evolving mid-palate. A densely concentrated array of flavors extends from cassis to cocoa and finishes with a voluptuously vibrant and ever evolving ending. It is a wine of unique beauty, even at this early stage in its development. If you can find it possible to keep any of the minute quantity available, it will be wonderful to enjoy as it continues to age. 2013 AMPERSAND The 2013 AMPERSAND is impressive as it highlights the concentrated nature of this profound and memorable vintage. The aromas encompass intense ripe black fruits, mixed with flavors showing an almost exotic spicy and earthy quality. The mouth-feel is both powerful and seamless in nature and the finish is luxuriant and enduring. _____________________________________________________ 2014 GROWING SEASON The 2014 vintage brought us a third straight year of near perfect growing conditions that set the stage for another dynamic and exciting vintage. The winter preceding the 2014 growing season was one of the driest in a long time, with barely half of normal rainfall. It was fortunate, however, that much of the rain fell in mid-February and early March, replenishing the groundwater ‘charge’ just in time for the warm spring weather to keep things growing uniformly. Bud break was early again in 2014, with most vines pushing during the last 10 days of March. The weather for the rest of spring and summer and on through veraison, was well-mannered and temperate, mimicking, almost exactly, the summer weather pattern we saw in 2013. There were almost no days exceeding 100 degrees and most days enjoyed peak temperatures in the upper 80’s to low 90’s. Once again, the results yielded wines of tremendous concentration, dark color, fully ripe seeds and sublimely supple skin tannins. Harvest began just slightly later than in 2013, with the first pick of the Merlot taking place on September 15th and the last pick, the Petite Verdot, 25 days later, on October 10th. Harvest yields for us in 2014 were slightly more generous than 2013, averaging about 2.2 tons per acre overall. TASTING NOTES 2014 LEVY & McCLELLAN We are truly blessed to have experienced three vintages in a row of such high quality yet diverse expression. To sum up our view of the 2014 vintage, we would have to say that it shares the breadth, sumptuousness and giving nature of 2012 with some of the power and concentration of 2013 along with an energy and tension unique to the 2014 vintage alone. In short, it is a wine that is packed with energy, vitality and complexity. The 2014 LEVY & McCLELLAN presents itself as an accessible and opulent representation of the ripe fruit from the vintage with a velvety texture and ever evolving mid-palate ‘juiciness’, followed by a powerful yet supple and round structure of long lasting tannins. 2014 AMPERSAND The 2013 AMPERSAND impresses as it highlights the concentrated nature of this impressive and memorable vintage. The aromas encompass intense ripe black fruits, mixed with flavors showing an almost exotic spicy and earthy quality. The mouth-feel is both powerful and seamless in nature and the finish is lingering and memorable. The 2014 Ampersand also shows an accessible and opulent representation of the fruit ripeness from this vintage. The aromatic expression exhibits ripe red fruits, mixed with underlying notes showing a slightly more exotic spice and dried herb quality. The finish is notably seamless and supple in nature. _____________________________________________________ 2015 GROWING SEASON The 2015 growing season started out with unseasonably warm temperatures in late winter and early spring. Because of the warm winter, bud break was early again in 2015, with vines pushing during the last 10 days of March. We were fortunate however, that we at least had about 5 inches of rain in February and then again a small amount of rain in April (2 inches) to help get the vines started growing. In May, growth tended to stall, as temperature during most of the month rarely rose above the low 70’s, which delayed bloom a bit. The weather for the rest of spring and summer almost reaching 100 degrees in June and then a few more days in August and September breaking the 100 degree mark. In all we were blessed with yet another remarkable vintage with near ideal weather, perfect ripening and by most accounts- low yields. The vintage has yielded wines of tremendous concentration, dark color, fully ripe seeds and intensely rich full tannins. Harvest began with the first pick of the Merlot taking place on September 11th and the last pick finished up 14 days later, on September 25th. Harvest yields for us in 2015 averaged less than 2.0 tons per acre overall. TASTING NOTES 2015 LEVY & McCLELLAN The 2015 LEVY & McCLELLAN brings with it a tremendous sense of power and concentration, yet with a delicate, lively and seamless texture. The remarkably complex array of flavors runs the gamut- from herbs de Provence to earthy mineral tones to roasted coffee and black currants. The finish is embellished with ripe, velvety tannins, supple and round in structure and long lasting in their resolve. 2015 AMPERSAND The 2015 AMPERSAND is an impressive example of the balance between power and concentration that this vintage is known for and shows tremendous finesse. The aromatic expression runs the spectrum from that of dried herbs to earthy mineral notes, roasted coffee and black currants. The finish has notably velvety tannins, is round in structure, supple in texture and remarkably long lasting. _____________________________________________________ 2016 GROWING SEASON The 2016 vintage started out with a normal amount of rainfall through the end of December 2015, and into January (about 11 inches total) followed by a fairly warm dry February. March brought us another five inches of rainfall, with lighter rains continuing through April, May and even into June, for a total amount that was about half to two-thirds of normal rain overall. Bud break began around the 18th of March. The weather stayed moderate through the most of March and into the first week of April alternating from that point between unseasonably warm periods and periods of cooler days and nights. Flowering peaked in early to mid May and the rest of May brought us moderately warmer days, just as fruit set was taking place. The rest of the early summer up to veraison was fairly moderate, with daytime peaks running from the mid-70’s into the mid-90’s most days. Because of these moderate temperatures, Veraison began slightly earlier than expected, taking place around the first of August. This gave us encouragement that we were looking at a slightly earlier than ‘normal’ harvest date. Most of August was cooler than normal which extended that harvest date forecast and ended up beginning harvest on the 24th of September with the Merlot. With unseasonably warm weather during the third and fourth weeks of September, we ended up finalizing the harvesting of the Cabernet and Petite Verdot in the first two weeks of October with the final day of harvest on the 13th. TASTING NOTES 2016 LEVY & McCLELLAN The 2016 LEVY & McCLELLAN has a decidedly dark flavor profile similar to 2013, but softer curves and more voluptuousness than the 2013 and it brings with it a tremendous sense of power and concentration, yet with a delicate, lively and seamless texture. The remarkably complex array of flavors runs the gamut-from herbs de Provence to earthy mineral tones to roasted coffee and black currants. Perhaps most importantly of all, the wines are incredibly delineated in the way they speak to the essence of site. Put simply, at this stage, 2016 is second only to 2013 among the top vintages of this decade so far. The finish is embellished with ripe, velvety tannins, supple and round in structure and long lasting in their resolve. 2016 AMPERSAND The 2016 AMPERSAND is an impressive example of the balance between power and concentration that this vintage is known for and shows tremendous finesse even at this early stage of it’s life. The aromatic expression begins with dried herbs and earthy mineral notes, following through to roasted coffee and black currants. The finish has notably silky tannins, is supple in texture and remarkably lingering finish. _____________________________________________________ 2017 GROWING SEASON The 2016 vintage started out with a normal amount of rainfall through the end of December 2015, and into January (about 11 inches total) followed by a fairly warm dry February. March brought us another five inches of rainfall, with lighter rains continuing through April, May and even into June, for a total amount that was about half to two-thirds of normal rain overall. Bud break began around the 18th of March. The weather stayed moderate through the most of March and into the first week of April alternating from that point between unseasonably warm periods and periods of cooler days and nights. Flowering peaked in early to mid May and the rest of May brought us moderately warmer days, just as fruit set was taking place. The rest of the early summer up to veraison was fairly moderate, with daytime peaks running from the mid-70’s into the mid-90’s most days. Because of these moderate temperatures, Veraison began slightly earlier than expected, taking place around the first of August. This gave us encouragement that we were looking at a slightly earlier than ‘normal’ harvest date. Most of August was cooler than normal which extended that harvest date forecast and ended up beginning harvest on the 24th of September with the Merlot. With unseasonably warm weather during the third and fourth weeks of September, we ended up finalizing the harvesting of the Cabernet and Petite Verdot in the first two weeks of October with the final day of harvest on the 13th. TASTING NOTES 2017 LEVY & McCLELLAN The 2016 LEVY & McCLELLAN has a decidedly dark flavor profile similar to 2013, but softer curves and more voluptuousness than the 2013 and it brings with it a tremendous sense of power and concentration, yet with a delicate, lively and seamless texture. The remarkably complex array of flavors runs the gamut-from herbs de Provence to earthy mineral tones to roasted coffee and black currants. Perhaps most importantly of all, the wines are incredibly delineated in the way they speak to the essence of site. Put simply, at this stage, 2016 is second only to 2013 among the top vintages of this decade so far. The finish is embellished with ripe, velvety tannins, supple and round in structure and long lasting in their resolve. 2017 AMPERSAND The 2016 AMPERSAND is an impressive example of the balance between power and concentration that this vintage is known for and shows tremendous finesse even at this early stage of it’s life. The aromatic expression begins with dried herbs and earthy mineral notes, following through to roasted coffee and black currants. The finish has notably silky tannins, is supple in texture and remarkably lingering finish. _____________________________________________________ 2018 GROWING SEASON The 2018 vintage was a welcome event after the challenges of 2017. Even though this was the third year in a row with below average rainfall (only about 8 inches total compared to an average annual amount of 30+) it was a year with very even and relatively cool weather. There were virtually no days over 100 degrees and culminated with a very long and relaxed harvest. Bud break for us began around the 5th of April. The weather stayed cool and moderate through most of April up until the last week of May when for the first time we saw a couple of days over 90. Flowering peaked in the last week of May and into the first week of June. The rest of the summer was very moderate, with daytime peaks running mostly in the mid to upper 80’s and several days that never exceeded the mid-70’s. Because of these moderate temperatures, Veraison began around the 10th of August. This gave us encouragement that we were looking at a fairly ‘normal’ harvest date by historical standards. Most of August was cooler than normal and only had a few days over 90, which extended that harvest date forecast. We ended up beginning harvest on the 28th of September with the Merlot. With continued moderate weather during the third and fourth weeks of September, we started harvesting the Cabernet on the 4th of October and completed harvest on the 2nd of November. There were many reports of very high yields throughout the valley, however, our yield for 2018 was 2.5 tons per acre, which is fairly normal for us. TASTING NOTES 2018 LEVY & McCLELLAN The 2018 LEVY & McCLELLAN has a decidedly dark flavor profile similar to 2013, but softer, with more elegance and more voluptuousness than the 2013 and it brings with it a tremendous sense of depth and concentration, yet with a delicate, lively and seamless texture. The remarkably complex array of flavors runs the gamut-from herbs de Provence to earthy and mineral notes to roasted coffee and black currants. Perhaps most importantly of all, the wines are incredibly delineated in the way they speak to the essence of site. Put simply, at this stage, the 2018 is certainly among one of the top vintages of this decade so far. The finish is embellished with ripe, velvety tannins, supple and round in structure and long lasting in it’ s resolve. 2018 AMPERSAND New tasting notes for 2018 AMPERSAND coming soon.