White Rock Claret Napa Valley 2019

Though not a particularly ripe vintage in general, the 2018 Claret shows fruit that is immediately open and approachable, contrasting the wineries typical “old school” style. The grapes are all estate fruit from the base of Atlas Peak, producing aromas of cassis, black cherry, blackberry, cocoa, and graphite, while there’s a distinct chalky quality to the tannins from the compressed white volcanic ash soils that give the winery its name. Fantastic now, will age gracefully for at least 15 years.