QUILT RED BLEND FABRIC STANDARD 2021

The Wagner family’s latest branch on the Caymus tree, is a very special Napa Valley red blend called Quilt Fabric of the Land. Like the previous Quilt offerings, this represents Joe Wagner’s pick of the litter of available vineyard sources that puts his inimitable blending abilities into play.

Joe has often told me that ends in the cellar but begins in the vineyards. Each of these tiny lots were picked in different passes to pick at optimum maturity. But Joe takes it one step further, and gives each an extended cryoextraction – which pulls every possible nuance of flavor out of the skins but in a delicate way that keeps harsh tannin at bay.

Still keeping the lots separate, they are aged French Oak until ready for final blending. That way Joe has one extra pass of quality control weeding out any barrels that won’t play nicely with the others. The final result is a gorgeous and seamless blend that features well-rounded tannins, lots of ripe fruit and terrific structure.