Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/552044
{ SOMMjournal.com } 91 V "The Pinot Noir did not exist when we purchased the winery in 2006, so we decided to add it," Shirley says. "Today, it is our third-best seller. The older I get, the more I appreciate this varietal, as when you have up to 30 or 40 different lots, you can see a lot of expressions—more than any other varietal—based on where and how it is grown." In terms of the entire V Collection, Shirley wants to convey the message to his trade customers that as these wines are 100% single varietal, they represent the best of what both the Napa Valley and the very best of what Napa Cellars has to offer. "With the V Cabernet, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, I don't feel like you can blend anything with those varietals without taking away what makes them the varietals they are on their own," says Shirley. "While some winemakers put a touch of Muscat or Riesling into their Chardonnay to nudge it in a certain direction, I always felt that if you think this makes a better wine, perhaps you are not dealing with the best Chardonnay you could be dealing with. If Syrah makes Pinot Noir a better wine, you may want to find better representations of that varietal." Due to the very lim- ited production, these V Collection wines are currently available in the Oakville tasting room and in California, with a strong emphasis on on-premise distribution. Albeit still lim- ited, Joe Shirley is expanding the program, announcing the wines will be launched nationally in spring of 2016. NAPA CELLARS HISTORY Originally established by Charlie Woods in 1968, Napa Cellars was purchased in 1996 by Koerner Rombauer and Rich Frank. This is when Napa Cellars earned the reputation for rich, buttery Chardonnay—a style that was becoming popular in the United States at the time. A decade later, the Trinchero family was search- ing for a winery property that would capture the essence of Napa. Napa Cellars, with its ideal Oakville location, renowned luscious Chardonnay and authentic Napa reds, was the obvious choice. Napa Cellars 2013 V Collection Chardonnay, Carneros ($40) "This wine has a crisp nose, with notes of butterscotch, toasted marshmallow, vanilla and light fruit. It is unmistakably Chardonnay with layered green apple, white nectarine, tangerine, fig, dried fruits and honey flavors that lead into a smooth, round mouthfeel. With nicely balanced, dynamic and persistent acid, it has a long, lingering finish with an integrated oak richness that enhances a subtle hint of sweetness in the wine." Napa Cellars 2013 V Collection Pinot Noir, Carneros ($50) "This Pinot Noir showcases dark cherr y and plum aromas with hints of savor y soy sauce, mushroom and spice. With rich, luscious, full enveloping tannins on the front, this wine makes a smooth transi- tion from bright cherr y and blackberr y notes to toffee, vanilla, and mocha flavors on the finish. This is an elegant, approachable and ver y food-friendly wine." Napa Cellars 2012 V Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, Saint Helena ($50) "Our Saint Helena Cabernet Sauvignon has great structure and full- bodied tannins. On the nose, I get ripe blackberry and black currant with a mild herbal, sage character. The freshness of the herbal notes gives way to rich blueberries, blackber- ries, and ripe dark fruit with a hint of black pep- per. Well-integrated oak, and notes of vanilla, coffee and smoke throughout fully express the tannins yet don't overpower the long, smooth finish." WINEMAKER'S NOTES FROM JOE SHIRLEY Winemaker Shirley cherry-picked from hundreds of potential lots for the new reserve line-up.