GROWING SEASON
Higher than average rainfall (38 inches) with the rains continuing well into spring, delaying bloom and set. The temperatures for the rest of the growing season were below average, with only 1 day over 100 degrees (in June) and 29 days over 90 degrees for the remainder of the season. Total degree days were 2996. Harvest began with Merlot on September 4 after waiting for and achieving ideal maturity, the Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested 10 days later on September 14. Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot both were brought in on September 22 to complete the 2004 harvest. Average yield: 1.7 tons per acre.
TASTING NOTES
2004 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2004 LEVY & McCLELLAN, our first release, offers up notes of lead pencil shavings, licorice, Asian plum sauce, black currants and a noticeable underlying layer of minerality, dried leaf and forest floor characters. Full-bodied yet silky and seductive, it has shed most of its youthful tannins, resulting in a complex wine of impressive proportions. The finish is amazingly long and shows intense levels of fruit enveloped in lush and supple tannins.
2004 AMPERSAND
In 2004, we had the good fortune to be able to select out a small amount of wine to make up the 2004 AMPERSAND, the perfect companion to LEVY & McCLELLAN. Uncompromising viticultural practices and meticulously detailed vinification rewarded us with a pallet of remarkable lots from which we had the privilege of blending LEVY & McCLELLAN. After completing the selection for the LEVY & McCLELLAN blend, it is sometimes possible to parcel out a few remaining barrels from the top lots for further evaluation. Through extensive tasting our goal is again to create a wine equally pure in its expression of the vineyard. The 2004 AMPERSAND has bright aromas and charming acidity characteristic of the season and showcases a ripe, velvety texture with concentrated fruit flavors.
GROWING SEASON
The moderate weather pattern in 2005 yielded optimal conditions for an exemplary vintage. Unseasonably plentiful rainfall into late spring triggered early bud break and rapid shoot growth. Cool weather through spring and summer delayed both flowering and veraison. The ensuing late harvest provided ideal circumstances for excellent tannin maturity and a slow, deliberate development of a ripe and fleshy flavor profile. Harvest began with Merlot on September 27 and the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot all were completed by October 24.
Average yield: 2.5 tons per acre.
TASTING NOTES
2005 LEVY & McCLELLAN
Uncompromising viticultural practices and meticulously detailed vinification rewarded us with a wine of great concentration and ripeness. The round supple tannins in the 2005 LEVY & McCLELLAN are the result of the cool growing conditions and the extended ripening. As the wine develops, the expression of the site where it is grown continues to come to the forefront. Accentuated by the low yield in a year known for more generosity, combined with 26 months in barrel, the result is a profoundly concentrated, supple and full-bodied wine.
2005 AMPERSAND
AMPERSAND is, so to speak, the little sister of the LEVY & McCLELLAN. The fruit comes from the same meticulously cared for hillside vineyard, undergoes the same intense scrutiny and stems from many of the same lots that make up the LEVY & McCLELLAN. Once we have completed the rigorous selection for the LEVY & McCLELLAN blend, we are (sometimes, often, in good years) able to parcel out a few remaining barrels from the top lots for further evaluation. Extensive tasting and fresh discernment inspire the unfolding of a wine equally pure in its expression of the vineyard, the 2005 AMPERSAND. The moderate alcohol, bright flavors and charming acidity of the final blend are characteristic of the cooler, longer 2005 growing season, while the luscious fruit, seamless balance and long supple tannins are attributed to the small crop of only 4-5 clusters per vine.
GROWING SEASON
A second successive wet winter along with late spring rains and a slightly later than normal bud break gave us a good start to encourage the new shoots. The remainder of the growing season was warmer than 2005, however, it was not as warm a year as earlier vintages. We had several days over 100 degrees and many days over 90 degrees. Harvest began with timing similar to that of 2005. Merlot was harvested on September 28, after enjoying the ability to achieve steady, measured ripening. The harvesting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot began on October 9 and finished on October 24. Average yield: 1.2 tons per acre
TASTING NOTES
2006 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2006 LEVY & McCLELLAN is truly a child of the vineyard’s distinct location. Situated along a geological fault line and nestled into the foot of the Mayacama mountain range, the site is an intermingling of two distinguishing soil types; oceanic and volcanic. The dense, ripe tannins reflect the temperate growing season as the wine continues to develop, expressing the notable characteristics of its origin. Emphasized by the dense 3x5 spacing, a consistently small berry size and markedly low yield, the result is a small amount of exceptionally full-bodied wine steeped in layers of resounding concentration. Commitment, patience and 28 months in barrel have integrated the rich tannins, adding further weight and enhancing the sumptuous elegance of the wine.
2006 AMPERSAND
The 2006 AMPERSAND has much to do to hold its own. And hold its own it does. A compliment to the LEVY & McCLELLAN, 2006 AMPERSAND is selectively blended from the some of the very same lots, and is a perfect accompaniment to our portfolio. Expressing the characteristics of our unique vineyard site, it offers supple tannins, a velvety texture and impressive dimension. It is a pleasure to relish in the expression of the fruit, savory flavors and the early drinkability that this wine has to offer.
GROWING SEASON
Less than normal rainfall during the winter months and a dry spring made up the beginnings of this renowned vintage. Spring temperatures were cool and remained moderate throughout the summer with many days in the 90’s, but only 2 that were above 100 degrees. Summer was then followed by an even cooler September, allowing for a slow and evenly paced harvest and the development of optimal maturity. Harvest began with Merlot on September 4th and finished on October 3rd with the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdict coming in respectively.
TASTING NOTES
2007 LEVY & McCLELLAN
There are but a handful of times that it is possible to stand in awe of a vintage from beginning to end. 2007 presented just such an opportunity. Intense fruit flavors showed already in the early days of September with the sweet tannins ripening and softening not long thereafter.
The 2007 LEVY & McCLELLAN exhibits a smooth and seamless balance, luscious red and black fruit and an exceptionally long finish. The 2007 vintage will undoubtedly be one for the history books and quite possibly, one of a few in a lifetime. A most extraordinary experience to be sure and truly a gift of nature.
2007 AMPERSAND
The 2007 AMPERSAND is a true uniting of vintage and vineyard. Loaded with rich supple tannins and vibrant fruit flavors, it is full-bodied, stacked with layers and silky in its lingering finish. We are enthusiastic about the pleasure this wine already offers and excited about its certain potential for aging.
GROWING SEASON
The below average precipitation during the winter and minimal rainfall in March and April set the stage for an even and rapid bloom. As the season progressed, there were notable temperature swings throughout the summer. We experienced as many days in the 70’s as we had in the 90’s and only a few days over 100 scattered in between. Cooler days from late August on into September allowed for ideal physiological maturing of the fruit and provided an optimal platform for picking. Harvest was slightly early and shorter than normal, beginning on September 2nd with the Merlot, and wrapping up by September 18th with the Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. Average yield: 0.9 tons per acre
TASTING NOTES
2008 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2008 vintage showcased itself from the very beginning and only got better as the season progressed. The ripeness and flavors in the fruit were well developed by harvest time and the intensity of the fruit character prominent at an early stage. The 26 months of extended time in the barrel enhanced the already well-established weight and concentration. The 2008 LEVY & McCLELLAN is a dense, opulent wine, with sweet tannins and a beautiful purity of fruit. Offering exceptional aging potential, the supple texture, velvety richness and vibrant charm balance one another to completeness.
2008 AMPERSAND
The 2008 AMPERSAND likewise exhibits the notably pronounced characteristics of the vintage, a year of moderate temperatures and slightly lower rainfall. Bloom was even and rapid and allowed for an optimal platform on which the maturation of the tannins and thorough development of flavor could take place. The wine itself has a concentrated middle of ripe fruit and charming finesse that is followed by a finish of ongoing length. We are enthusiastic about the end result and pleased to present this wine for your total enjoyment.
GROWING SEASON
Though rainfall was little more than two-thirds of normal (24 inches) for the third year in a row, the timing of the precipitation was perfect. Couple that with the lack of frost and the mild, relatively cool growing season throughout spring and the stage was set for a perfect beginning. Budbreak was in Early April. The balance of spring was very mild, with lows in the 50’s and highs mostly in the 80’s. Peak bloom was the third week of May. Late spring rains delayed irrigation needs and the warm spell in June helped curtail excessive canopy development. Normally, nearly 14 days of 100°F plus temperatures mark a typical growing season, however 2009 counted perhaps only four or five overall. The mild summer temperatures brought on veraison in the second week of August. Once again, mild temperatures (the theme for this vintage) in September (mostly in the 80’s and only a few days reaching into the 90’s) allowed for ideal physiological maturing of the fruit and provided an optimal platform for deliberate and measured harvesting. Harvest began on September 15 and finished on the 12thof October, just before nearly 4 inches of rain rolled in. Average yield: 2.0 tons per acre.
TASTING NOTES
2009 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2009 LEVY & McCLELLAN is a wine that we see aging with elegance, increasing in intensity while holding on to its freshness and the powerful essence of slowly ripened fruit. Every once in a while, through the strength of its individual components, a wine has the potential to completely surpass expectations on its way to becoming a whole. We are pleased to extend our offering of this wine to you, sharing our belief and anticipation that this is just such a remarkable gem.
2009 AMPERSAND
As a compliment to our flagship wine, LEVY & MCCLELLAN, we are pleased to offer AMPERSAND. This wine highlights the distinct qualities of the vineyard site and combined with the characteristics unique to the growing season, offers immeasurable charm, superb elegance and very fine tannin structure. The 2009 AMPERSAND can be noted for its lusciousness of ripe, red fruit, bright high notes and beautiful sense of precision and purity.
GROWING SEASON
Rainfall returned after three dry years, but bud break came on at the normal time (1st of April).
The ensuing days brought a cooler than normal spring, with rains into May and helped to delay
flowering and fruit-set by about two weeks (Mid-June).
The summer brought cooler than normal temperatures, mostly between 75 F and 85 F, where
constant vigilance and rigorous canopy management was the requisite practice to achieve good
airflow and perfect light exposure on the developing clusters.
Veraison began in earnest around mid-August and finished very evenly and rapidly.
The relatively cool growing season culminated with a few unexpected heat spikes in late August.
Cooler than average temperatures retuned again in early September, but gave way to a welcome,
warm and consistent Indian Summer resulting in a late and fairly shortened harvest. The flavors
were concentrated yet elegant, showing great balance and structure. 2010 was an atypical growing
season for Napa Valley and reminds us of a balance and finesse more similar to one found in
Bordeaux in a great year. Average yield: 1.85 tons per acre.
TASTING NOTES
2010 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2010 LEVY & MCCLELLAN reflects this distinguishable growing season with a wine that
is both bright and vibrant in its fruit profile while at the same time hosting an underlying richness
and overall sense of harmony. The succulent, dense black fruits, Asian spice and creamy texture
flow across the palate, building incrementally in the mouth to an ever-evolving finale.
2010 AMPERSAND
As a compliment to our flagship wine, LEVY & MCCLELLAN, AMPERSAND highlights
the distinct qualities of the vineyard site and combined with the characteristics unique to the
2010 growing season, offers immeasurable charm, superb elegance and very fine tannin
structure. We love the attributes of the ripe red fruits, elegant finesse and dense, velvety
texture that the 2010 AMPERSAND honed from this amazing vintage.
GROWING SEASON
For the second year in a row we had a solid wet winter and the rains continued into spring and in fact we had a bit of rain even as late as June. Bud beak, however, was normal, with most buds out by the end of the first week of April. With a cooler than normal spring and continued occasional moisture, the time from budbreak to bloom was longer than normal, averaging about 68 days (where normal runs closer to 50 days) reaching full bloom the first week of June. The trend for the season continued, as cooler weather prevailed and the time between Bloom and Veraison averaged about 82 days, putting veraison at the end of August. The one constant, even as summer weather stayed mild, with few days over 90 and most hovering between the high 70’s and 90 degrees. The typical phenological stages all took extended times from onset to completion, allowing for amazingly uniform and consistent ripening to occur. At times we find ourselves with only 175 to 185 days from budbreak to bloom, however, in 2011, we enjoyed the rare luxury of well over 200 days of growing season. It is for this reason we reflect back on what some consider to be a cool growing year, but we refer to as a blessing in the ability to achieve incredible ripeness at slightly lower brix levels with unbelievable development of flavor, color, seed maturity and supple skin tannins- velvety and plush. When we look at the challenges associated with getting ripe mature tannins in warm years and compare that with the accomplishments of 2011, we begin to understand the focus of our colleagues who grow Bordeaux varieties regularly in cooler growing conditions than our norm. It seems that we both strive for a similar end point- in other words, ripe flavors and ripe tannins that are soft rather than not harsh and drying. We typically approach that middle point from opposite ends of the spectrum, however in recent years we each have had the ability to appreciate the focus and efforts needed to reach that goal from both those extremes- from warm years and from cool years. Through extended efforts at each step of the way- in our viticultural practices- from more shoot positioning and leaf removal to allow reception of more sunlight, to extensive thinning, (even though the crop level was already lower than average), to more critical selection at the time of blending- we are proud of the results and proud to present the 2011 wines to you. We feel the wines from 2011 are extremely exciting- they show an energy and vibrancy not seen in warmer years, and share a balanced maturity with a plush and supple finish.
TASTING NOTES
2011 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2011 is a vintage of its own - a child of diversity, attitude and suspense. Some called it challenging, we think of it as a majestic tribute to the testament of experience and dedication. It is one of those mysteries in life that unveil themselves with time and patience, surpassing all expectations and bringing purity and true appreciation. ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’ rings particularly true for the 2011 vintage. For the second year in a row, we were blessed with considerable rainfall during the winter months, a fairly cool spring and a timely bud break. Challenging our expertise, it demanded meticulous attention in the vineyard as well as extreme selection both for green thinning on the vine and of the grapes received on the sorting table. We ferment 100% in small, 60 gallon French oak barrels and are thus able to monitor and provide fastidious catering to the minute needs of each and every individual lot. The overall length of the growing season was unusual and of significant benefit, as it allowed substantial time for the fruit to achieve ideal ripeness in flavors and the tannins to reach optimum maturity. We were able to pick at a slightly lower brix and capture a vibrant brightness often found in wines of slightly lower alcohol levels.
2011 AMPERSAND
In years that are deemed 'challenging', in order to select the ultimate barrels for the flagship blend, many phenomenal lots become destined for what we consider our ‘complementary’ blend, the AMPERSAND. We had an incredibly beautiful pallet from which we were able to blend the 2011 AMPERSAND and are excited by the outcome. We are delighted to be able to offer a wine of soft tannins, elegant balance and sweet charm. It is a blend to enjoy for its delicate finesse and a tribute to our dedication in presenting the highest quality wines possible in each and every vintage.
GROWING SEASON
The 2012 is an exceptionally luscious vintage with a relatively dry growing season that, other than a few heat spikes interspersed throughout, was of moderate temperatures. Conditions were ideal for complete ripening and optimal flavor development. Tannins matured early leading to rich, dense, fruit-dominated concentration soon after veraison. This allowed for a leisurely picking schedule and the ability to wait for the perfect moment to harvest. After the shy yields of 2010 and 2011, we are pleased that the high quality of the 2012 vintage has allowed us to select a slightly larger quantity of lots for the 2012 blend and thus offer a bit more wine to satisfy increased demand.
TASTING NOTES
2012 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2012 LEVY & McCLELLAN is truly a classic Cabernet blend in it’s purity and succulence. We aged it twenty eight months in new french oak barrels, marrying the sweet, ripe and powerful tannins with the richness of the dark fruit and exotic spice flavors characteristic of the vineyard site. The wine showcases a unique combination of youthful charm complimented by a sophisticated balance that extended barrel aging confers.
2012 AMPERSAND
The 2012 AMPERSAND is another example that highlights the qualities of this impressive and memorable vintage. In reflection, the 2012 growing season, which began with a fairly dry spring with moderate and consistent temperatures followed by an early development of intense fruit flavors, contributed to a complete softening of the tannins. The 2012 AMPERSAND expresses a silky, fruit forward entry, expanding to a mid-palate of ripe red fruit, black cherry, blueberry pie and spice. Balanced by a seamless texture and vivacious ripeness, the finale is one of a long, lingering and memorable finish.
GROWING SEASON
A warm dry spring brought about a fairly early bud break, with most buds out by the end of the first week of April (fully 2 weeks earlier that in 2012). Even with erratic spring temperatures fluctuating between unusually cool to unusually warm along relatively little precipitation, the length of time from budbreak to bloom was fairly normal, averaging about 45-50 days, reaching full bloom the third week of May. This ‘normal’ trend continued for the season, even as somewhat erratic daytime temperatures prevailed into the summer. The time between Bloom and Veraison averaged about 75-80 days, putting veraison at the beginning of August. With the exception of one short period of hotter than normal daytime highs from late June into early July, from that point on through harvest, the weather managed to stay consistent and well within the zone for optimal vine activity- with daytime highs mostly between 75 and 90 degrees F. The length of overall growing season (budbreak to harvest) was also a typical 175 to 190 days.
As we reflect back on what started out to be a very uneven weather cycle throughout the first half of the growing season, with daytime highs fluctuating between well below average to well above average – and never really hitting a constant pattern in between, we can’t help but focus on the contrast of that compared to the tremendous uniformity of temperatures we enjoyed in the second half of the growing season. We attribute this uniformity of daytime temperatures lasting from veraison through harvest with the ability to easily achieve complete ripeness allowing for concentrated flavors, dark color, full seed maturity and supple skin tannins. The harvest, for us, was quite extended, beginning on September 17 with the Merlot and continuing through October 16 with Petite Verdot. The 2013 vintage gave us the extraordinary ability to pick exactly the areas of the vineyard we wanted to harvest, at exactly the time we wanted to harvest them and all at perfect physiological ripeness.
Average overall yield: 1.71 tons per acre.
TASTING NOTES
2013 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2013 LEVY & McCLELLAN showcases a sweet, powerful tannin structure, velvety texture and ever evolving mid-palate. A densely concentrated array of flavors extends from cassis to cocoa and finishes with a voluptuously vibrant and ever evolving ending. It is a wine of unique beauty, even at this early stage in its development. If you can find it possible to keep any of the minute quantity available, it will be wonderful to enjoy as it continues to age.
2013 AMPERSAND
The 2013 AMPERSAND is impressive as it highlights the concentrated nature of this profound and memorable vintage. The aromas encompass intense ripe black fruits, mixed with flavors showing an almost exotic spicy and earthy quality. The mouth-feel is both powerful and seamless in nature and the finish is luxuriant and enduring.
GROWING SEASON
The 2014 vintage brought us a third straight year of near perfect growing conditions that set the stage for another dynamic and exciting vintage. The winter preceding the 2014 growing season was one of the driest in a long time, with barely half of normal rainfall. It was fortunate, however, that much of the rain fell in mid-February and early March, replenishing the groundwater ‘charge’ just in time for the warm spring weather to keep things growing uniformly. Bud break was early again in 2014, with most vines pushing during the last 10 days of March. The weather for the rest of spring and summer and on through veraison, was well-mannered and temperate, mimicking, almost exactly, the summer weather pattern we saw in 2013. There were almost no days exceeding 100 degrees and most days enjoyed peak temperatures in the upper 80’s to low 90’s. Once again, the results yielded wines of tremendous concentration, dark color, fully ripe seeds and sublimely supple skin tannins. Harvest began just slightly later than in 2013, with the first pick of the Merlot taking place on September 15th and the last pick, the Petite Verdot, 25 days later, on October 10th. Harvest yields for us in 2014 were slightly more generous than 2013, averaging about 2.2 tons per acre overall.
TASTING NOTES
2014 LEVY & McCLELLAN
We are truly blessed to have experienced three vintages in a row of such high quality yet diverse expression. To sum up our view of the 2014 vintage, we would have to say that it shares the breadth, sumptuousness and giving nature of 2012 with some of the power and concentration of 2013 along with an energy and tension unique to the 2014 vintage alone. In short, it is a wine that is packed with energy, vitality and complexity. The 2014 LEVY & McCLELLAN presents itself as an accessible and opulent representation of the ripe fruit from the vintage with a velvety texture and ever evolving mid-palate ‘juiciness’, followed by a powerful yet supple and round structure of long lasting tannins.
2014 AMPERSAND
The 2014 AMPERSAND impresses as it highlights the plush yet energetic nature of this impressive and memorable vintage. The aromas encompass intense ripe black fruits, mixed with flavors showing an almost exotic spicy and earthy quality. The mouth-feel is both powerful and seamless in nature and the finish is lingering and memorable.
The 2014 Ampersand also shows an accessible and opulent representation of the fruit ripeness from this vintage. The aromatic expression exhibits ripe red fruits, mixed with underlying notes showing a slightly more exotic spice and dried herb quality. The finish is notably seamless and supple in nature.
GROWING SEASON
The 2015 growing season started out with unseasonably warm temperatures in late winter and early spring. Because of the warm winter, bud break was early again in 2015, with vines pushing during the last 10 days of March. We were fortunate however, that we at least had about 5 inches of rain in February and then again a small amount of rain in April (2 inches) to help get the vines started growing. In May, growth tended to stall, as temperature during most of the month rarely rose above the low 70’s, which delayed bloom a bit. The weather for the rest of spring and summer almost reaching 100 degrees in June and then a few more days in August and September breaking the 100 degree mark. In all we were blessed with yet another remarkable vintage with near ideal weather, perfect ripening and by most accounts- low yields. The vintage has yielded wines of tremendous concentration, dark color, fully ripe seeds and intensely rich full tannins. Harvest began with the first pick of the Merlot taking place on September 11th and the last pick finished up 14 days later, on September 25th. Harvest yields for us in 2015 averaged less than 2.0 tons per acre overall.
TASTING NOTES
2015 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2015 LEVY & McCLELLAN brings with it a tremendous sense of power and concentration, yet with a delicate, lively and seamless texture. The remarkably complex array of flavors runs the gamut- from herbs de Provence to earthy mineral tones to roasted coffee and black currants. The finish is embellished with ripe, velvety tannins, supple and round in structure and long lasting in their resolve.
2015 AMPERSAND
The 2015 AMPERSAND is an impressive example of the balance between power and concentration that this vintage is known for and shows tremendous finesse. The aromatic expression runs the spectrum from that of dried herbs to earthy mineral notes, roasted coffee and black currants. The finish has notably velvety tannins, is round in structure, supple in texture and remarkably long lasting.
GROWING SEASON
The 2016 vintage started out with a normal amount of rainfall through the end of December 2015, and into January (about 11 inches total) followed by a fairly warm dry February. March brought us another five inches of rainfall, with lighter rains continuing through April, May and even into June, for a total amount that was about half to two-thirds of normal rain overall. Bud break began around the 18th of March. The weather stayed moderate through the most of March and into the first week of April alternating from that point between unseasonably warm periods and periods of cooler days and nights. Flowering peaked in early to mid May and the rest of May brought us moderately warmer days, just as fruit set was taking place. The rest of the early summer up to veraison was fairly moderate, with daytime peaks running from the mid-70’s into the mid-90’s most days. Because of these moderate temperatures, Veraison began slightly earlier than expected, taking place around the first of August. This gave us encouragement that we were looking at a slightly earlier than ‘normal’ harvest date. Most of August was cooler than normal which extended that harvest date forecast and ended up beginning harvest on the 24th of September with the Merlot. With unseasonably warm weather during the third and fourth weeks of September, we ended up finalizing the harvesting of the Cabernet and Petite Verdot in the first two weeks of October with the final day of harvest on the 13th.
TASTING NOTES
2016 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2016 LEVY & McCLELLAN has a decidedly dark flavor profile similar to 2013, but softer curves and more voluptuousness than the 2013 and it brings with it a tremendous sense of power and concentration, yet with a delicate, lively and seamless texture. The remarkably complex array of flavors runs the gamut-from herbs de Provence to earthy mineral tones to roasted coffee and black currants. Perhaps most importantly of all, the wines are incredibly delineated in the way they speak to the essence of site. Put simply, at this stage, 2016 is second only to 2013 among the top vintages of this decade so far. The finish is embellished with ripe, velvety tannins, supple and round in structure and long lasting in their resolve.
2016 AMPERSAND
The 2016 AMPERSAND is an impressive example of the balance between power and
concentration that this vintage is known for and shows tremendous finesse even at this early stage of
it’s life. The aromatic expression begins with dried herbs and earthy mineral notes, following
through to roasted coffee and black currants. The finish has notably silky tannins, is supple in
texture and remarkably lingering finish.
GROWING SEASON
The 2017 vintage started out with quite a lot of rainfall through the winter. The total from October through end of December 2016 was about 13.5 inches, and from January through April there was another 36.5 inches. Bud break began the first week of April. The weather stayed very cool until there was a spike of warm weather in the beginning of May. The rest of the year showed very erratic fluctuations in temperature throughout the growing season. Flowering peaked in late May and with continuous fluctuations of temperatures, veraison about as expected, taking place around the first of August. This gave us encouragement that we were looking at, more or less, a ‘normal’ harvest date. On the evening of October 8th, with winds reaching highs of around 90 mph, and a humidity below 10%, a fire broke out less than a mile away from our vineyard and within minutes, was not only surrounding the site, but heading west at an unheard-of rate of speed. We had already harvested all the Merlot and some of the earlier ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, but it amounted to only about 20% of our total production for the year. Once the fire started, we were denied access to the vineyard for the next 14 days. At that point we harvested everything else left behind. However, anything harvested after October 8th was negatively affected by smoke from the fires and could not be used in any of our final wine blends.
TASTING NOTES
2017 LEVY & McCLELLAN
Due to the fires in 2017, we did not produce a 2017 LEVY & McCLELLAN
2017 AMPERSAND
In 2017, we were able to produce only 60 cases of 2017 AMPERSAND. It is a blend of only those lots of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that were harvested before the fires started on October 8, 2017. Remarkably, it is a wine of great balance with expressive concentration and rich broad tannins. The aromatic expression shows great typicity and aromas of dried herbs and rich mineral notes. The finish follows through with hints of torrefaction (roasted coffee) and cassis. The tannins in the finish are quite supple in texture and have a lasting long impression on the after palate.
GROWING SEASON
The 2018 vintage was a welcome event after the challenges of 2017. Even though this was the third
year in a row with below average rainfall (only about 8 inches total compared to an average annual
amount of 30+) it was a year with very even and relatively cool weather. There were virtually no
days over 100 degrees and culminated with a very long and relaxed harvest. Bud break for us began around the 5th of April. The weather stayed cool and moderate through
most of April up until the last week of May when for the first time we saw a couple of days over 90.
Flowering peaked in the last week of May and into the first week of June. The rest of the summer
was very moderate, with daytime peaks running mostly in the mid to upper 80’s and several days
that never exceeded the mid-70’s. Because of these moderate temperatures, Veraison began around
the 10th of August. This gave us encouragement that we were looking at a fairly ‘normal’ harvest
date by historical standards. Most of August was cooler than normal and only had a few days over
90, which extended that harvest date forecast. We ended up beginning harvest on the 28th of
September with the Merlot. With continued moderate weather during the third and fourth weeks
of September, we started harvesting the Cabernet on the 4th of October and completed harvest on
the 2nd of November. There were many reports of very high yields throughout the valley, however,
our yield for 2018 was 2.5 tons per acre, which is fairly normal for us.
TASTING NOTES
2018 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2018 LEVY & McCLELLAN has a decidedly dark flavor profile similar to 2013, but
softer, with more elegance and more voluptuousness than the 2013 and it brings with it a
tremendous sense of depth and concentration, yet with a delicate, lively and seamless texture. The
remarkably complex array of flavors runs the gamut-from herbs de Provence to earthy and mineral
notes to roasted coffee and black currants. Perhaps most importantly of all, the wines are incredibly
delineated in the way they speak to the essence of site. Put simply, at this stage, the 2018 is
certainly among one of the top vintages of this decade so far. The finish is embellished with ripe,
velvety tannins, supple and round in structure and long lasting in it’
s resolve.
2018 AMPERSAND
The 2018 AMPERSAND is an impressive example of the balance between concentration and elegance that this vintage is known for and shows tremendous finesse even at this early stage of it’s life. The aromatic expression begins with dried herbs and mineral notes, following through to blackberry and black currants. The finish has notably silky tannins, is supple in texture and remarkably long and broad finish.
GROWING SEASON
The beginning of the 2019 growing season was defined by copious rainfall and late soil moisture. The long, warm summer saw very few extreme heat events, with foggy mornings setting the stage for vibrant and expressive wines. The long, relatively mild finish to the season, helped to preserve freshness and finesse in the fruit with abundant time to ripen and tease out great color, structure and full but soft tannins. Yields overall were about average to a little less than average. All in all, exceptional fruit with bright acidity and ample texture was derived from this amazing vintage.
Bud break for our 6 acre hillside estate vineyard began around the 10th of April. The weather stayed cool and moderate through most of April and into the second week of June when for the first time had several days into the low to mid-90’s., which was when flowering peaked. The rest of the summer was very moderate, with daytime peaks running mostly in the 80’s and only a few days into the 90’s. There were no events over 100. Because of these moderate and fairly even temperatures, Veraison began around the 5th of August. Most of August was cooler than normal and only had a few days into the 90’s. September proved to be even cooler, allowing us to wait for ideal tannin maturity without accelerated sugar levels. We started harvest on the 2nd of October with the Merlot. With continued cool weather (not over 90 and often only in the 70’s) during October, we started harvesting the Cabernet on the 11th of October and completed harvesting everything on the 25th. Our overall yield for 2019 was 2.3 tons per acre.
TASTING NOTES
2019 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2019 LEVY & McCLELLAN has a decidedly more textured profile than the 2018, providing it with a tremendous amount of depth and concentration and at the same time great energy from the cooler growing conditions. The tannins in the finish are present, yet they integrate so well with the character of the 2019 that they appear both lively and seamless. The hallmark character of our vineyard comes through in this vintage again expressed as “Herbs de Provence” alongside an earthy and mineral note, with some hints of roasted coffee and black currants. At this stage, we feel blessed to have experienced yet another fabulous vintage (following the wonderful 2018) and the two vintages remind us of the fabled two back-to-back vintages in Bordeaux-1989 and 1990 – where many a heated discussion was held arguing over which one was the preferred. The finish is embellished with broad, lengthy tannins, supple and round in structure and provides both dimension and vibrancy in how they finish.
2019 AMPERSAND
The 2019 AMPERSAND is another impressive example of the balance between concentration, elegance, and energy that this vintage provided. Through the use of about 12% Merlot the wine shows how tremendous finesse can be found even in such a dynamic vintage, and even at this early stage of its life. The aromatic expression provides you with the telltale dried herb and mineral notes, following through to blackberry, cassis and black currants. The finish has notably silky and rich tannins, and like its sibling, provides both dimension and vibrancy in the finish.
GROWING SEASON
The 2020 vintage (the 22nd growing season of our estate vineyard) followed a winter with less than 50% of our normal rainfall- around 13 inches in total from October to May. Much of it fell in January and then small amounts in late March and April and then a bit more in May. Bud break for us began on the 10th of April and the weather remained moderate through most of April and into the first week of May. Then May brought us very erratic temperatures- with several days of quite warm weather (90’s), spurring rapid shoot growth, followed by a quite cool period in the third week of May (low 50’s) and night time lows fluctuating from the mid 30’s into the mid 40’s. Flowering peaked during the last week of May and into June during a period of quite warm weather. The remainder of June brought us continued erratic temperatures, with highs alternating between the mid-70’s and mid to upper 90’s. The erratic nature of both the daily highs and night time lows continued throughout most of the summer, through Veraison and on up to Harvest. Veraison began at the end of July and into the first week of August. In the third week of August we had a series of thunderstorms with numerous lightening strikes (a rare occurrence for Napa Valley) that caused spontaneous wildfires and caused many wineries on the east and southeast side of the Valley to lose their 2020 grape crop because of the proximity to the fires and the direction of the prevailing winds. Fortunately our vineyard was unaffected by those fires in August. We ultimately ended up beginning harvest on September 15th and we continued picking until another wildfire started on September 20th. Yields were quite low for 2020- overall our yields were approximately 2.0 tons per acre. We hadn’t quite finished harvest by the time another fire began on Sept. 20th (the Glass Fire) and we had to find an alternate location to bring the last 20% of our grapes for crushing and fermenting. Regrettably, those final lots were not able to be used in any of our final blends because they were adversely affected by the smoke from the Glass fire. For us, the 2020 vintage was a vintage that not only started out quite low in yield but also due to the Glass fire was reduced even more in volume- so the overall quantity available from 2020 is quite small.
TASTING NOTES
2020 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2020 LEVY & McCLELLAN is a wine of significant elegance and is exemplified, even highlighted, by it’s expression of place. It has an inviting freshness providing a sense of energy and harmony. The aromas are mostly nuances of ripe red fruits, graphite, dried leaves and a welcoming savory- almost sage-like undertone. The overall palate impression highlights how pleasurable a wine of such finesse and elegance can be. The finish shows very soft and very fine grained tannins. It is supple in structure with a wonderfully bright and long lasting finish.
2020 AMPERSAND
The 2020 AMPERSAND is another impressive example of the elegance, and energy manifested by this vintage. Through the use of Merlot the wine shows how tremendous finesse can be found even at this early stage of its life. The aromatic expression provides you with the telltale dried herb and mineral notes found in our estate vineyard, following through to blackberry, cassis and black currants. The finish has notably silky and rich tannins, and like its sibling, provides for a balance of finesse and vibrancy in the finish.
GROWING SEASON
The 2021 vintage (the 23rd growing season of our estate vineyard) followed a winter with approximately 35% of our normal rainfall- around 11 inches in total from October to May. Fortunately a fair amount of it fell from January through March, but then it stopped. Bud break for us began on the 13th of April and the weather remained cool to moderate through mid-June, with only a very few days hitting even 90 degrees. In June we had the first couple of days over 100 followed by a moderate summer through to the end of August, when we had our next several days that hit 100 during the third week of August. Veraison began in the first week of August and with the moderate temperatures through most of August proceeded in a very uniform manner. Except for the couple of days that touched 100 in late August and a couple more in the first week of September, the peak temperatures hovered between the low 70’s and the mid-90’s. Harvest began on September 16th and we continued picking until October 5th. Yields were quite good for us in 2021- overall our yields were approximately 2.2 tons per acre.
TASTING NOTES
2021 LEVY & McCLELLAN
The 2021 LEVY & McCLELLAN is a wine of significant elegance and is exemplified, even highlighted, by it’s expression of place. It has an inviting freshness providing a sense of energy and harmony. The aromas are mostly nuances of ripe red fruits, graphite, dried leaves and a welcoming savory- almost sage-like undertone. The overall palate impression highlights how pleasurable a wine of such finesse and elegance can be. The finish shows very soft and very fine grained tannins. It is supple in structure with a wonderfully bright and long lasting finish
2021 AMPERSAND
The 2021 AMPERSAND is another impressive example of the elegance, and energy manifested by this vintage. Through the use of Merlot the wine shows how tremendous finesse can be found even at this early stage of its life. The aromatic expression provides you with the telltale dried herb and mineral notes found in our estate vineyard, following through to blackberry, cassis and black currants. The finish has notably silky and rich tannins, and like its sibling, provides for a balance of finesse and vibrancy in the finish.
