2015 Morgado Cellars Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain Napa Valley

WA94+ Composed of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Sugarloaf Mountain Proprietary Red has an evocative, earthy nose of tilled soil and mossy bark over a core of warm red and black currants with touches of pencil shavings, dried herbs and fungi. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is fine, elegant and fresh, with expressive earthy layers and a long, finely grained finish.

Morgado Cellars is a project by wine maker Kimberly Hatcher: 
“I have been a San Francisco firefighter since 1998 and a winemaker since 2009.  In anticipation of a full life after retirement from the San Francisco Fire Department, I went in search of wine knowledge and found a wonderful community willing to point me in the right direction.  I have enjoyed drinking wine for many years.  From my college days forward I ventured in and out of a few casual tasting groups, each time learning a little bit more about evaluating wine.  Once I got the thought in my head to try my hand at wine making, the pieces just seemed to fall into place.  I knew a grape grower, who sent me to her farmer, who told me to go and talk to their wine maker who tasted me on the most mind blowing wines I have ever come across.  The hook was set and I was unstoppable! 
I have to thank the man who gave me my start. Russell Bevan extended his tutelage, taking a chance on a girl with no experience in wine making.   He told me that when we first met, my passion for my job and family gave him insight into my work ethic and dedication to everything that I do. And I am sure it didn’t hurt that I loved his wine!   I worked hard and asked every question that came to mind in the winery and in the vineyard.  Russell had the patients of Jobe and opened up opportunities that might have taken me years to find otherwise. I will forever be grateful for this.