Somerston Wine Company

The Somerston Estate (of which the historic Priest Ranch is now a part) is 1628 acres of natural beauty, with over 200 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards, winery, and a developing ranch and farm. Somerston is 8 miles east of Rutherford east of the Chiles Valley appellation in Napa Valley. Its diverse soils, microclimates, and exposures are perfect for growing world-class grapes. The vineyard has over 200 acres planted on elevations of 850 to 2400 feet above sea level. Its cool nights, low morning temperatures, late morning fog and warm afternoon temperatures give our vineyards a slow and even ripening. The vineyard is divided into 87 individual blocks that represent the various soils (alluvial fans, silty clay and fractured shale, and Akin). Craig Becker is a founding member of Somerston. He is a seasoned winemaker and has worked with a wide range of varieties planted at some of California’s top hillside vineyards. It is Craig’s artisan approach to winemaking and his extensive knowledge in viticulture that enables him to create superb wines from a wide range of varieties and sites. As General Manager of Somerston, Craig oversees all aspects of the business from viticulture, winemaking, sales and marketing, finance and business development. (Ref: Somerston Wine Company)

"The aromas of this 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon are full of black cherries, star anise, and a touch of earth. This full-bodied wine has good concentration, supple tannins, and balanced acidity. The rounded mouthfeel is persistent on the long and lingering finish" - Craig Becker - Winemaker

Pair with zuchinni gratin with tomato confit, or, an ideal accompaniment to braised beef short ribs or garlic chicken wings

Aged for 22 months in 40% new French oak and 60% once used French oak barrels. The lees was stirred for the first year followed by three rackings in the second year of ageing. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered

"Attractive blackberry, plum and dried mushroom chracter with hints of bark. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh citrus-peel undertone on the finish" - James Suckling. January 2016 - 91 points