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2018 Brown Recluse

  • Tasting Notes

    Eye
    Deep crimson core, vermillion rim.

    Nose
    Intense forward notes of blue and black fruits punctuated by tropical floral notes, fruit rollup, and citrus peel. Time in the glass reveals rose petals and purple flowers followed by Alpine forest, lingering nutmeg, and a savory trace of pimiento roasted meat.

    Palate
    Medium body, well-balanced fruit and acid, smooth finish.

    Cellar life
    Drink now through 2035+.

  • Specs
    • Composition
      55% Merlot
      45% Cabernet Sauvignon
    • Vineyard source
      Merlot — Dollar Ranch
      Cab Sauv — Brown Estate
    • Appellation
      Napa Valley
    • Barrel aging
      24 months in 100% neutral French oak
    • Alc. by vol.
      14.5%
    • Production
      200 cases in 12 x 750ml format
  • Background

    Like its namesake spider, we hope your encounter with this elusive wine will become the stuff of lore. So reads the back label on our Brown Recluse, a reserve blend of cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel inspired by the wine David created for our first appearance at the Auction Napa Valley barrel auction. We bottle it only when Mother Nature permits, and David dials in a new ratio for each new vintage based on the qualities these two heterogeneous varietals derive from the growing season.