2018 Andronicus Red Blend, Napa Valley

The 2018 Andronicus is a wine that well represents the Bordeaux Blend profile that this program exemplifies. Aromatics of concentrated raspberry, chocolate dust and crushed flower petal are followed by a flavor profile of spiced fruit, raspberry compote and hints of vanilla and crème brulee. As is customary, the concentrated mid-palate and round tannins make this wine delicious upon release, while giving it the ageability one would expect from a fine Napa Valley blend. 9% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Cabernet Franc 

Vintage
The 2018 growing season returned to low-rainfall conditions, with two thirds the normal precipitation for the St Helena area. Fortunately, ample rainfall came in March and April to recharge the soil and pushed off budbreak a couple of weeks.
Bloom occurred just a little behind schedule, in late May and early June, but resulted in full cluster formation. Moderate temperatures during the summer growing season kept the vines stress-free and resulted in plump berries and full clusters.