Our Pestoni Family Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from our Three Tears Vineyard on the Eastern slope of Howell Mountain. With elevation that ranges from 1,600 to 2,100 feet above sea level, this estate vineyard sits on a 160 acre estate of which thirteen are planted in Cabernet Sauvignon and three in Merlot. The rocky volcanic soils and weather conditions are challenging, but worth the extra effort as the vineyards produce wines with outstanding flavor, intensity and aging properties.
Our 2016 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon showcases aromas of ripe blackberries, cedar, cigar, and fresh vanilla bean. The plush velvet entry and mid pallet are entwined with condensed notes of juicy blackberry liquor, brambles, carpaccio and a classic mountain fruit finish with youthful peppery tannins. Drink now through the next 12 – 15 years.
| BLEND: | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| BARREL AGING: | 24 Months 100% New French Oak |
| APPELLATION: | Howell Mountain |
| PRODUCTION: | 169 Cases |
| ALCOHOL: | 14.6% |
Our Pestoni Family Merlot is produced from our Three Tears Vineyard on the Eastern slope of Howell Mountain. With elevation that ranges from 1,600 to 2,100 feet above sea level, this estate vineyard sits on a 160 acre estate of which thirteen are planted in Cabernet Sauvignon and three in Merlot. The rocky volcanic soils and weather conditions are challenging, but worth the extra effort as the vineyards produce wines with outstanding flavor, intensity and aging properties.
Our Howell Mountain Merlot opens with aromas of dark cherry, cedar wood, strawberry preserves, and peppermint tea. On the palate, this intense yet elegant full-bodied Merlot showcases a core of rich red and blue fruit with hints of warm espresso, freshly ground black pepper, and dark chocolate. Pair with a hearty Cassoulet, fennel pollen-encrusted pork loin, or a smoky coal-roasted eggplant.
| BLEND: | 100% Merlot |
| BARREL AGING: | 22 Months 100% French Oak 65% New |
| APPELLATION: | Howell Mountain |
| PRODUCTION: | 45 Cases |
| ALCOHOL: | 14.7% |
Three Tears Vineyard is planted in volcanic soil across three unique terraces that ascend from 1,00 feet to 2,100 feet on the eastern face of the most northern edge on Howell Mountain. This location benefits from early morning sun that allows the fruit to warm at dawn and fall into shade during the intense heat of the day. The results are wines with concentrated mountain fruit, balanced acidity, and velvety smooth tannins. In no other place are these characteristics more pronounced than in the deep red, rocky volcanic soil of our Block B. The grapes from this narrow bench produce wines with a distinct expression, not only for this extraordinary vineyard, but also for the appellation as a whole.
This big, bold mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is already expressing itself with aromas of chocolate, cedar, earth and blackberry. The entry and mouth are full and unctuous. The finish is lingering with youthful but finessed tannins.
| BARREL AGING: | 20 Months 100% New French Oak |
| APPELLATION: | Howell Mountain |
| PRODUCTION: | 124 Cases |
| ALCOHOL: | 14.6% |
Domingos Brothers Red is produced from our Three Tears Vineyard on the Eastern slope of Howell Mountain. With elevation that ranges from 1,600 to 2,100 feet above sea level, this estate vineyard sits on a 160 acre estate of which thirteen are planted in Cabernet Sauvignon and three in Merlot. The rocky volcanic soils and weather conditions are challenging, but worth the extra effort as the vineyards produce wines with outstanding flavor, intensity and aging properties.
Our 2013 Domingos Brothers Red is a Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes crafted from select blocks of our Three Tears Vineyard on the Eastern slope of Howell Mountain. With elevation that ranges from 1,600 to 2,400 feet above sea level, the well-drained red volcanic soils of this vineyard produce a wine an inky ruby in color, with intoxicating ripe blackberry on the nose. The palate is powerful yet soft, with balanced tannins and flavors of sweet red berries, smoky tobacco, anise and earthy forest floor. The finish is elegantly complex and refined, and will flourish with 10 to 12 years of careful cellaring.
| BARREL AGING: | 24 Months 100% New French Oak |
| APPELLATION: | Howell Mountain |
| PRODUCTION: | 40 Cases, Allocation Only |
| ALCOHOL: | 14.8% |
Our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of two small Estate vineyards on either side of Highway 29, located only 1/8 of a mile apart, and totaling just three acres. Both vineyards are composed of the same alluvial gravelly loam which is found in some of the best vineyards in Rutherford.
This growing region is one of the best for Cabernet Sauvignon due to ideal soil and climate conditions. Wines of the Rutherford Appellation display the “Rutherford Dust” characteristic that make them distinctive from other Cabernet Sauvignons grown in other areas of the Napa Valley, setting them apart as some of the best in the world.
This 2016 estate Cabernet Sauvignon greets you with deep earthy aromas and flavors of dark cherries, Mediterranean green olives, cassis and the classic Rutherford Dust one expects from fruit grown in these celebrated soils. On the palate, this is an elegant medium bodied wine with beautifully focused flavors accented with notes of dusty earth, crushed stone, vanilla and refined tannins on the finish. True to form, this wine displays the power and elegance that is so characteristic of cabs from the Rutherford Bench.
| BLEND: | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| BARREL AGING: | 23 Months 100% French Oak |
| APPELLATION: | Rutherford |
| PRODUCTION: | 430 Cases |
| ALCOHOL: | 14.6% |
Our Estate Merlot is sourced exclusively from our Estate vineyard located east of our winery and tasting room in the heart of the Rutherford Appellation.
This growing region is one of the best for Merlot due to ideal soil and climate conditions. Wines of the Rutherford Appellation display characteristics that set them apart as some of the best in the world.
Our Rutherford Merlot exhibits notes of cherry, cedar, and sage on the nose. Expansive notes of bright black cherry, ripe blackberry, blueberry, soft spices, tobacco, and clove envelop the long finish and soft, dusty tannins. Pair this enchanting Merlot with braised short ribs, Paella Valenciana, or prosciutto-wrapped chicken.
| BLEND: | 100% Merlot |
| BARREL AGING: | 22 Months 100% French Oak, 40% New |
| APPELLATION: | Rutherford |
| PRODUCTION: | 148 Cases |
| ALCOHOL: | 14.4% |
This extraordinary wine started out as an experiment but has now become an institution. When we went to plant this vineyard in front of our winery we noticed that the soil held some truly unique properties, properties that we felt might be well suited for a Sangiovese. We chose clones 2 and 4 and waited….On our first tasting we knew we were right. The “Rutherford dust” had worked its magic on this Italian varietal.
What small amount isn’t snapped up by our wine club is made available only here and in our tasting room.
This 2017 Sangiovese shows off dark red cherries, tobacco, cardamom, and black pepper on the nose. Initial softness on the palate gives way to bright notes of bright, juicy cranberry, cherry and strawberry gaining depth with flavors of buttery leather, freshly cracked pepper and cocoa. Pair this Sangiovese, with its fresh red fruit and savory herbal notes, with rare steak, roasted game birds, wild boar dishes, or anything with tomato sauce.
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| BLEND: | 100% Sangiovese |
| BARREL AGING: | 18 Months 100% French Oak |
| APPELLATION: | Rutherford |
| PRODUCTION: | 228 Cases |
| ALCOHOL: | 14.1% |
This wine marks the first time we have blended together grapes from our Howell Mountain vineyard and our two Rutherford Bench estate vineyards. This is a marriage made in heaven; it’s red volcanic mountain soils meets the storied Rutherford Dust.
Our 2017 Riserva di Famiglia displays notes of dusty mocha, vanilla, and buttery toast on the nose. On the palate, a silky entry with fresh and bright cranberry and strawberry open to notes of rich blackberry, cedar, and supple tannins. Thoughtfully handcrafted to be enjoyed now or cellared through the next ten years, this wine will continue to develop rich, complex flavors in the bottle.
| blend: | RUTHERFORD: 30% Sangiovese 20% Cabernet Sauvignon HOWELL MOUNTAIN: 20% Merlot 30% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| BARREL AGING: | 23 Months 100% French Oak |
| APPELLATION: | Napa Valley |
| PRODUCTION: | 224 Cases |
| ALCOHOL: | 14.5% |
Our Petite Sirah was made in much the same style as the previous vintages producing a luscious, fruit forward, delicious wine from Spring Creek Vineyard, located in the St. Helena appellation.
The vineyard is on the west side of the Valley floor and benefits from copious direct sunlight during the growing season as well as cool breezes in the afternoon, a perfect situation for Petite Sirah.
Exhibiting a vibrant deep purple color, this wine offers the balanced complexity and structure only a Spring Creek Petite Sirah can offer, with classic earthiness and depth. A layering of bold dense black plum and boysenberry are balanced by a relaxed blend of black pepper and potpourri which combine with moderately ripe tannins for a silky finish. Approachable, lush and creamy, pair this full-bodied, sweetly oaked Petite Sirah with anything rich and smoky; from grilled pork to Portobello mushrooms.
| BLEND: | 100% Petite Sirah |
| BARREL AGING: | 18 Months 100% French Oak |
| APPELLATION: | St. Helena |
| PRODUCTION: | 287 Cases |
| ALCOHOL: | 14.5% |
The first wines that our family produced in the Napa Valley were known as field blends. Field blends were traditionally single-vineyard wines with multiple varieties of grapes grown, harvested, and fermented together. Our 1892 Field Blend pays homage to this early California winemaking tradition.
Our heritage vineyard in Lake County is planted in Petite Sirah and four of the oldest pre-prohibition clones of Zinfandel in California: Deaver, Dupratt, Nova and our family’s Domingos selection. Sited at an altitude of 2,100 ft., this vineyard is located on some of the youngest red volcanic soils in the continental United States. We harvest and co-ferment these unique clones of Zinfandel together. Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon are added for additional depth and complexity. 1892 Field Blend stands in testament to the best examples of red wine in this emerging appellation.
Aromatic ripe black cherry, pomegranate, and black tea aromas emanate from the glass. Juicy raspberry, and black fruit accentuate the presence of Zinfandel fruit which is predominant in this field blend. Cabernet Sauvignon lends its richness to the palate, while the addition of Petite Sirah balances the blend with its lush density and silky texture. Enjoy with sweet and spicy BBQ, wood fired pizza, or chorizo empanadas.
| blend: | 83% Zinfandel 10% Cabernet Sauvignon 7% Petite Sirah |
| BARREL AGING: | 10 Months 100% French Oak, 35% New, 65% Two-Year Old |
| APPELLATION: | Lake County |
| PRODUCTION: | 540 Cases |
| ALCOHOL: | 14.5% |
Located on the western side of the valley floor in Rutherford, the Pestoni Ranch was planted by Henry and Lena Pestoni in 1923. Today, this same vineyard is planted with Sauvignon Blanc Musque and 317 Clones. This vineyard produces grapes with wonderful fruit intensity, ideal acidity and attractive mineral character which represent the true characteristics of the varietal.
Our 2018 Sauvignon Blanc is beautifully perfumed, with bright aromatics of sweet citrus, juicy pear, pineapple, and mango. On the palate, the endless fruit notes and vibrant acidity are balanced by the rich mouthfeel. Layers of honey dew melon, nectarine, juicy citrus and guava are unrelenting on this Sauvignon Blanc’s long finish. Pair with fresh heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese, swordfish escabèche, or ceviche.
| BLEND: | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
| BARREL AGING: | 6 Months Stainless Steel |
| APPELLATION: | Rutherford |
| PRODUCTION: | 804 Cases |
| ALCOHOL: | 13.4% |
From Sangiovese and Merlot grapes grown on our Rutherford estate, our Rosé is made in the saignée method by "bleeding" juice from tanks prior to fermentation. The juice is inoculated and fermented to dryness in small oak barrels. Prior to bottling, the wine received minimal filtration and fining to preserve the fresh fruit flavors these vineyards are known for.
Our dry Rosé of Sangiovese and Merlot bursts with aromas of sweet strawberry, watermelon, muddled mint, and orange blossoms. On the palate, mouthwatering flavors of juicy watermelon, ripe peach, and succulent strawberries linger into refreshing minerality and bright acidity on the finish. This Rosé is a perfect pairing with ceviche, barbeque, salted watermelon, or a summer’s day!
| BLEND: | 65% Sangiovese, 35% Merlot |
| BARREL AGING: | 6 Months, Stainless Steel |
| APPELLATION: | Rutherford |
| PRODUCTION: | 170 Cases |
| ALCOHOL: | 13.4% |
Quackenbush Mountain Vineyard sits at an altitude of 2,000 feet on a rocky slope overlooking the eastern shore of Clear Lake. With its ideal red clay and fractured basalt, this location benefits from the cool lake breezes. This slows the ripening process, allowing the fruit to reach the balance and intensity we look for in a mountain wine.
Our vines, all heirloom selections of Zinfandel, are planted with budwood gathered from some of the old existing plantings in California. Our grandfather, Albino Pestoni, and great uncles made their robust wines with these types of grapes under similar conditions... one of the blocks even originates from Uncle Fred’s old ranch.
Enticing aromas of rose petals, fresh cherries, orange zest, and spicy citrus introduce our dry Zinfandel Rosé. On the palate, wild strawberry, grapefruit, tart cherries, and hints of mint lend to a refreshing acidity. This picnic-perfect Rosé balances tartness and fruitiness for the ultimate summer refresher.
| BLEND: | 100% Zinfandel |
| BARREL AGING: | 6 Months, Stainless Steel |
| APPELLATION: | Lake County |
| PRODUCTION: | 165 Cases |
| ALCOHOL: | 13.4% |
