This product is no longer available. Please choose another vintage above.
Kuleto Estate - Native Son 2016
-
Blend
22% Malbec
20% Merlot
20% Petite Sirah
11% Tempranillo
27% Zinfandel - Country USA
- Region California
- Appellation Napa Valley
- UPC 7 20815 15021 8
Estate
The beaten path? It ends a few miles west of Kuleto Estate. We are secluded deep in the wild solitude of eastern Napa. Our vineyards are scattered along the steep hillsides and windblown ridges above the valley floor. Our wines are no different than their surroundings. While the song may sound familiar, the interpretation is solely our own.
Our mountaintop estate is one of the most complex and diverse wine producing properties in the world. It is from this estate that the inspiration for our 'Curious Blends'come.
Ageing
16 months in 33% new French, American and Hungarian oak
Background
To create the kinds of finished wines that make up our three Red Blends, it is critical that farming is controlled directly by the winery. Our blends are therefore produced from fruit grown at the Kuleto Estate and in our premiere estate vineyards throughout Napa County. Where we deliberately give up a bit of winery control is in our unusual approach to harvest and fermentation. Instead of waiting for enough of a particular variety to ripen fully for the sake of having a pure tank or lot, we often combine whatever fruit happens to be perfectly ripe at the moment. While co-fermentation of different varieties has not been the default protocol in the New World, it is intuitive and natural. It's also the genesis of our multi-varietal blends.
Blend
Our blends are in essence three distinct interpretations of our estate. Beyond showcasing terroir and varieties, they give our winemaker, John Clews, a chance to express his own artistic vision of the property. By mixing grapes from different locations on the estate John can create wines that are deep, lush, complex and wonderfully individualistic.
Tasting notes
A collision of old and new world styles, the expected and not, this wine marries our juiciest and spiciest Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, our most opulent, warm, fruit-driven Zinfandel, some dark peppery Petite Sirah, and our mouthwateringly grippy Sangiovese - just enough to drive your senses crazy. The resulting blend conjures up images of old head-trained California mixed field plantings. The 2016 Native Son showcases enticing aromas of red and black berries with hints of nutmeg, toasted wood and a lingering spice. The palate is smooth with a silky mouthfeel that highlights the dark cherry and plum while notes of warm vanilla and baking spices give way to a lengthy satisfying finish.
