2016 Peter Paul Wines Master’s Red Blend Napa Valley

Perfumed red fruit and dried herb highlight a broad, fleshy and weighty blend that robustly presents a richness of dark cherry, cassis and currant. Baking spice and black pepper compete for attention on the lengthy palate. VIRGINIE BOONE

The Master’s Blend was the natural progression of finding the best expression from within our Napa program. Peter asked our winemaker-GM Martin, who was on the cusp of his Master of Wine achievement, to craft the best possible wine in the form of a new prestige-level Napa cuvee. Thus, the Master’s Blend was born; an iterative, months-long selection process to find a combination of variety, sub-appellation, and cooperage that could compete with the big boys of the revered Napa Valley. Crafted in the spirit of the Bordeaux blending tradition, the Master’s Blend is a proprietary selection (four barrels made in total) achieving a unique expression of the power, balance, and grace. This combines all five traditional Bordeaux varieties and includes fruit from Rutherford, St. Helena, Oak Knoll District, Yountville, and Pritchard Hill.

With the effortless quality of 2016 already in our back pocket, the Master’s Blend seized the boldness of our Napa Cabernet and teased out additional complexity and expressiveness by blending the edgy allure of Cab Franc, the plumy sexiness of Merlot, the sinewy tension of Malbec, and the spiciness of Petit Verdot. Aromas show blackberry compote, crème de cassis, mocha, allspice, and sweet tobacco. The presence of the palate echoes the density and power of our Napa Cabernet; however the concentrated tannins are more handsomely integrated with the intense, broad-shouldered profile of this blend’s flavors. A deeply rewarding wine that captures Peter Paul’s core philosophy of balanced winemaking while paying homage to the artistry of Bordeaux’s blending tradition. Cellarworthy for 10-15 years. 
Aged in 100% French Oak, 75% New, 26 months. 95 Cases produced.