Winemaker Notes

The 2017 Jovana Napa Valley Merlot/Cabernet Franc is a blend of 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, The Merlot comes from Orchard Vineyard in the Oak Knoll district, with the Cabernet Franc coming from the top of Mt Veeder, from the Yates Family Vineyard. Showing dark ruby color, fresh blueberries, black cherries and cedar notes leap from the glass. The inviting nose is followed with a broad, juicy mid-palate that is kept in check with a fresh, clean finish. Very pleasing now but will show even better with two to four years of cellaring. 

Harvest Notes

The winter of 2016-2017 finally showed some relief from the four straight years of drought seen in California. With a wetter than normal winter, the growing season started closer to normal, with flowering occurring early June. 2017 saw ravaging wildfires in mid-October, that destroyed land and structures in both Napa and Sonoma. The fruit for this wine was picked a week ahead of the devastating wildfires.