Description
Release Date: January, 2025
Production: 8 Barrels
Varietal: 78% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Malbec
Vineyards: Merlot: Napa Valley AVA – Sugarloaf Vineyard and Somerston Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon: Rutherford AVA – FS 81
Malbec: Napa Valley AVA
Team: Justin and Seana Stephens, Proprietors
Kirk Venge, Winemaker
Andrew Bohi, Director of Operations
Cooperage: Aged for 22 months in French oak, 63% new.Vintage Notes: 2022 continued the relatively dry conditions of the previous few years, but with some
edges sanded down thanks to a smattering of winter rains. The spring and early
summer were quite idyllic with moderate temperatures and a slow but steady ripening,
which continued well into August. The season took a turn in September when we saw
a spike in heat that lasted for 10 days and brought 110+ degree temperatures to the
valley floor. This created demand for attention and intervention in the vineyards, but
thanks to an unseasonable rain shortly after the heat spike, our sites were able to hang
well into October and achieve optimal ripeness.
Wine Notes: In Bordeaux, the river Gironde divides the region into two parts, Left and Right
Bank. The Left Bank focuses on Cabernet driven wines promoting structure, while
the Right Bank is built upon Merlot and produces rich, balanced and inviting wines.
What does all of this have to do with winemaking in Napa? Well, nothing really as the
forces that shape our valley are quite different, but the long tradition of Merlot-
focused wines along the Right Bank of Bordeaux did provide the inspiration for our
Cuvée Équité.
This wine is an homage to our investors who believed in this project before the
winery existed and were an integral part of its creation. It is now and forever
dedicated to all those who held equity in our dream and helped to make this pursuit
of ours possible.
Tasting Notes: Invigorating notes of baking spices, licorice and rocky soil swirl around ripe and
vibrant fruit scents of grilled Mirabelle plum and black cherry. The palate exhibits
lovely balance, with flavors of red and black fruit compote alongside hints of nutmeg
and cola nut, finishing with polished tannins and refreshing acidity.
Aging Advice: True to its namesake, the 2022 Cuvée Équité takes time in bottle to reveal its full
character. Up to a decade of aging releases the intricate subtlety for which Bordeaux
wines are so coveted by collectors. However, this wine is grown in Napa Valley so it
also shows youthful appeal for those who prefer more immediate gratification.
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