Morlet Family Vineyards Oakville Coeur de Vallée 2021

The texture is luscious, with a cut of orange zest adding depth and balance, full of Napa character in terms of its muscularity and pleasure. Blueberry, damson, black cherry, rose bud, capsicum, olive paste, cocoa bean, espresso, tobacco, one-third in 600 litre french oak casks, the rest in small stainless steel tanks. A dry season, with rain only really falling in January and February, and although temperatures didn’t climb too high, the wines have an intensity to them that is arresting and full of charm. Darnajou and Gauthier Frères. Luc and Jodie Morlet, always among the most thoughtful winemakers in Napa, own this exceptional vineyard that has the To Kalon creek running through it. Organic farming, bottled unfiltered and unfined.