Christian Moueix "Napanook" Red Blend Napa Valley, 2020

The vintage was characterized by a dry winter and spring, with a total of 17” of rain from July 2019 to June 2020 (historical average: 31”).

With warm temperatures in the spring and well-drained soils, vines developed balanced shoot growth. Summer temperatures were constantly warm allowing a fast and homogeneous ripening.

In the night of August 16th to 17th, about 11,000 lightning strikes across northern California were recorded and sparked the LNU Lightning Complex res. Until mid-September, there were several days with dense smoke. Testing and microfermentations conrmed that the berries were unaected by smoke taint. e vines and fruit were rinsed prior to picking.

Harvest was completed before grapes could be aected by the Glass Fire which started on September 27. Selection by hand and optical sorting were critical to remove berries impacted by the heat.

Tasting notes: Pomegranate, cocoa powder, resin, sleek tannins and energy on a bittersweet finish.