The 2018 vintage was a slow growing season with very little heat spells which allowed the fruit to ripen steadily while protecting the acidity. It ended up giving fruit that was harvested at optimum conditions with the ripeness that the winemaker could choose since there was no rain threat at all in the late season. This translated in the cellar into wines that are complex, juicy yet framed with a beautiful acidity. It is for me a very complete vintage.

Artalade Vineyard is a portion of the Montanga Estate located on Pritchard Hill, neighboring famous estates such as Colgin, Chappellet and Tusk. Pritchard Hill is known for its volcanic and iron soils with a hint of clay. Artalade sits in a unique geographical part of the “hill” perched at the edge of the Vaca Mountain Range at 1,100 feet in altitude. We say Artalade is a cross among structure, force and charm, where the structure and volcanic soil bring the frame, and the lushness and depth bring the magic.

tasting notes
on the rim: deep, dark, shiny black olive with touches of orchid and amethyst on the rim

on the nose: beautiful nose of warm rock, underbrush, cassis, chocolate milk, roast beef, spices like espelette pepper, baby powder and rose candy

on the palate: soft round entrance, evolving on a granular tannin mid palate with dark cherry reduction, lingering on red currant and a fresh finish