Fall in the Vineyard
Fall in the Vineyard
Fall is here. It’s an especially significant time in the wine world—the time of grapes reaching maturity and being harvested and starting their cycle of becoming wine. Leaves are changing color, there’s a coolness in the air, we start to crave heartier foods. It’s also the time when our wine palate evolves into seeking out the best fall wines.
What’s a fall wine? It’s probably red: one great example is our Il Barone. This reserve wine is typically a blend of approximately 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. The majority of the grapes were sourced from the Rutherford AVA, known for the complexity in its terroir. Our winemakers aged this vintage for 22 months in French oak barrels. The name is a nod to our Italian heritage and the nobility, if you will, of the wines we craft. In this case, Il Barone suggests refinement and elegance as well as power and nuanced strength, all great attributes for a big, bold and delicious Cabernet Sauvignon.
Fall in the Napa Valley is one of the most magical times of the year. Here at the Castello we welcome visitors who come intentionally to enjoy the aromas of fermenting grapes and glimpses of grapes being processed on the crush pad of the castle with state-of-the-art equipment and French Oak wine barrels sourced from the center of France.
The autumn is a time when all of us look forward to sitting down to lots of food and deeply flavored foods, like roasts and rich cheeses and long-simmered stews. We offer a number of ‘fall wines’ to pair with those choices.
Because of the crispness in the air during the fall in the Napa Valley, visitors often enjoy longer visits at the Castle, making sure they’ve climbed all the stairs, surveyed the countryside beyond our moat, maybe even peeked into the torture chamber or the chapel.
All of that exertion does open up your taste buds to a range of great fall wines which are primarily our small production single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, such as Morisoli-Borges Cabernet Sauvignon as well as traditional Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Pinot Bianco, Vermentino and Pinot Grigio.
Fabulous fall! Come visit us during this great time of year or re-create our romantic setting at your home—light some candles, settle in by the fireplace or around an outdoor fire, open some wonderful autumn wines along with hearty food and enjoy!
Explore Morisoli-Borges
Explore Morisoli-Borges Vineyard in Napa Valley’s Rutherford Bench
Nestled at the heart of Napa Valley’s renowned “Rutherford Bench,” the Morisoli Family vineyard stands as a living testament to four generations of unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Originating in the early 1900s, the Morisoli legacy took root in the western expanse of Rutherford, where their grape cultivation journey began. Today, under the sustainable stewardship of the fourth generation, this vineyard seamlessly blends “old” and “young” Cabernet Sauvignon blocks, each nurtured with meticulous care. The resulting wine eloquently captures the celebrated “dust” character intrinsic to Rutherford, enfolding the palate with its tender, velvety tannins.
Since 1900
The Morisoli Family’s grape-growing journey, dating back to 1900, continues into the present with Mike Morisoli. In 1971, Mike Morisoli’s parents purchased this very vineyard, located on the west side of Highway 29, and just south of Niebaum Lane, continuing the family’s tradition of winemaking excellence. The vineyard transitioned primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon in the late 1980s, with a subsequent smaller redevelopment in 2006.
The Legendary Rutherford Dust
Positioned deep within the Napa Valley, the Rutherford Bench emerges as a distinctive American Viticultural Area. Its heart lies in the small town of Rutherford, California, renowned for its picturesque views and quiet small town charm. Its well-drained soil, a blend of gravel, loam, and sand enriched by volcanic deposits and marine sediments, is a canvas for viticultural artistry. In a modest expanse spanning 6,650 acres, this appellation weaves its magic.
The Rutherford region offers a complexity mirroring Napa Valley’s own intricate tapestry. A sanctuary for late-ripening grapes, nestled in the valley’s core. This deliberate pace imparts finesse and intricate layers to the wines. Amplified by deeper soils and diverse microclimates, it stretches growing seasons and nurturing “hang time,” resulting in tannins with a velvety, ethereal character. The wines from these soils embody a delicate dance of “fine dusty tannins,” accompanied by hints of plush cocoa powder. The Rutherford AVA encapsulates more than geography; an unfolding experience in every sip.
Mike Morisoli and The Next Generation of The Morisoli Family
“Rutherford dust” is a term for the fine, dusty tannins found in wines from Rutherford AVA, Napa Valley. These tannins enhance texture, mouthfeel, and aging potential, attributed to the region’s soil, climate, and grape conditions giving them a recognizable quality. The concept gained prominence as winemakers and wine enthusiasts began to notice a consistent thread of these fine tannins in wines produced in the region.
The Rutherford Dust Society, founded in 1994, promotes Rutherford’s unique wines. It highlights the “Rutherford dust” concept and fosters a community of local winemakers, organizing events, tastings, and educational programs. This society preserves winemaking heritage and contributes to the reputation as a premier wine-producing area within Napa Valley. The primary goal of the society is to raise awareness about the distinct attributes of Rutherford wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, and to foster a sense of community among the wine producers in the area.
Mike Morisoli with Winemaker Brooks Painter & Castello President Georg Salzner
Limited Production
At Castello di Amorosa we strive to create the highest quality Cabernet possible, we are only able to do this with the finest Grapes available. Mike Morisoli’s Rutherford vineyard fits that profile, with a long history of producing great Cabernet grapes. This single-vineyard site is a beautiful expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. As a proud representation of Rutherford’s unique terroir, this limited-edition 2017 Morisoli-Borges Cabernet, with its luscious notes of blueberries, blackberry jam, cassis, and graphite, stands as a true expression of Napa Valley’s winemaking prowess and is destined to age gracefully for more than two decades. The wine expresses the Rutherford appellation’s famous “dust” character, with its unique soft, silky tannins. Expected to easily age 20+ years.
Past Awards & Accolades
Explore our past awards and accolades for our Morisoli-Borges Cabernet Sauvignon.
♦ 95+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges from the Rutherford region of the valley is a beautiful 2018 that does everything right. Lots of spiced currants, mulled plums, cedarwood, loamy earth, and dried tobacco give way to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, spicy, complex wine that needs 3-4 years of bottle age.”
♦ 95 Points – Antonio Galloni
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard offers a striking expression of Rutherford. Beautifully layered and ample, the Morisoli-Borges is a stunner right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, licorice, cloves, espresso and lavender all build in a resonant, super-expressive Cabernet that delivers the goods, and then some.”
♦ 93 Points – James Suckling
“Black and blue berries, mushrooms, earthy notes and chocolate as well. It is full-bodied with firm tannins and an ample, flavorful and long finish. I liked the slightly herbal undertone at the end. Try after 2023.”
♦ 97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Sourced all from the famed “Rutherford-Bench” section of the valley and all Cabernet, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard sports a saturated purple hue as well as loads of spice, crushed violets, leafy herbs, chocolate, and cedar all supported by beautiful blueberry and wild strawberry fruits. Plush and sexy on the palate, with full-bodied richness and more opulence and decadence than most in the vintage, it hits all the right spots and is a beautifully balanced, sexy 2017 to enjoy over the coming 20-25 years or more.”
♦ 93 Points – James Suckling
“Attractive aromas of fresh fruit with a ripe array of redcurrants and raspberries, as well as blackcurrant and violet notes. The palate has a sleek, juicy and fleshy feel with plenty of ripe, rich fruit and a smooth-honed, long and plush texture. Drink or hold.”
♦ 96 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard is cut from the same cloth with its flowery blue and black fruits, complex tobacco, cedary spice, and herbal notes, medium to full body, and sweet, yet certainly present tannins. It shines for its sheer purity of fruit and balance and is another pure class release from this team. It will keep for 3 decades. Drink 2019 – 2049.”
♦ 94+ Points – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate
“Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep purple-black colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges gives up scents of warm blackberries, crushed red and black cherries and black currants with hints of cigar box, tilled soil and mossy bark. Full-bodied with a solid, muscular mid-palate of pure black and red fruits, it has a firm line of grainy tannins and an invigorating lift on the long finish. Drink 2019 – 2035.”
♦ 93 Points – James Suckling
“A rich and layered red with currant and blackberry character. Full body, round and caressing tannins and a flavorful finish. Pure Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink or hold.”
♦ 93 Points – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate
“The deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Borges is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and offers spicy aromas of cedar chest, blackberries and blueberry compote with notes of licorice and fragrant earth. Full-bodied and concentrated in the rich, spicy mouth, it has firm, chewy tannins and finishes long and a bit oaky.”
♦ 92 Points – James Suckling
“Intense aromas of blackberries, tar, blueberries and mint, following through to a full body. Round and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Fruit-forward but still fresh. Drink or hold.”
♦ 98 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard comes from a site located in Rutherford, on the valley floor. It too is inky colored and offers a sensational bouquet of crème de cassis, blueberries, graphite/lead pencil shavings, tons of crushed rocks and hints of violets. Layered, gorgeously pure, concentrated and always elegant and silky, with no sense of heaviness, enjoy this blockbuster anytime over the coming 3-4 decades. (Expected Maturity: 2018–2058)”
♦ 96 Points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
“Coming from the valley floor, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard hails from the tenderloin of the so-called bench area. It shows gorgeous fruit, loads of blueberry, blackberry and cassis notes, licorice and incense followed by an opulent, voluptuously textured, super-sexy style with oodles of glycerin, fruit and extract. This is a stunner and irresistible already. Moreover, it should age nicely for another 15 or more years.
♦ 91 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard is one of the more powerful wines in the range. It also comes across as a bit compact at this stage and in need of further cellaring, although it is likely to always remain a bit on the linear side of things.”
♦ 94 Points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard, which comes from the Rutherford sector of Napa, shows beautiful blueberry and blackberry fruit, camphor and incense, a full-bodied, nicely textured mouthfeel, sweet velvety tannins and a long finish. This is a beauty, and a wine that can be drunk now or cellared for another 20 years.”
♦ 92 Points – Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“Compost aromas open this vineyard-designated wine, a full-bodied, densely concentrated exploration of juicy black licorice, coconut, and dust. Soft and lengthy, it develops slowly in the glass, providing a vibrant showcase for the site.”
♦ 91 Points – James Suckling
“Lots of ripe and unctuous fruit showing a light raisin and spice character. Full body, soft tannins and a juicy finish. This is ripe and smooth. Drink or hold.”
♦ 93 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“A big, explosive wine, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Borges hits the palate with a rush of dark red and blue fruits, smoke, incense, violets, lavender, orange peel and spices. The firm tannins are going to need time to settle down, so readers should not be in a rush. This is without question the most complex and pedigreed of Castello di Amorosa’s Cabernet Sauvignons. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.”
♦ 93-95 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media (Barrel Sample)
“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard is flat-out stunning. Rich, opulent and full-bodied, yet backed up by an imposing sense of structure, the 2012 possesses gorgeous depth and pure power. Mocha, plums, licorice, tobacco, graphite and ash all jump from the glass in an opulent, broad-shouldered wine loaded with class and pedigree. This hugely promising Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best wines I have tasted from Castello di Amorosa.”
♦ 90-92 Points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate (Barrel Sample)
“A barrel sample of the dense ruby/purple-tinged, full-bodied 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Borges revealed lots of character as well as copious notes of blueberries, blackcurrants, black cherries, licorice, underbrush and spice. It should turn out to be an outstanding effort to enjoy during its first 10-15 years of life.”
♦ 92 Points – James Suckling
“A soft and silky red with plum, currants, and spice. Fully body and firm tannins that buttress the fruit. Delicious and fruity. Drink now.”
♦ 91 Points – Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“From decades’ old vines in the heart of the appellation, this wine conveys dusty milk chocolate and baked plum. It’s 100% varietal, aged almost two years in 60-gallon French oak barrels. Softly layered, and full bodied, it’s approachable now, linear in its acidity.”
♦ 91 Points – Wine & Spirits Magazine
“From a vineyard on the western benchlands of Rutherford, this is a voluminous Napa Valley cabernet with bright fruit ripeness that feels refreshing. What richness it delivers is clean and toned, focused by hints of lemon verbena and cherry skin. This should age with grace.”
♦ 90 Points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
“The estate’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges is a soft, supple wine that will drink beautifully over the next few years. Sweet black cherries, plums, herbs and licorice are some of the notes that take shape in this soft, caressing Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.”
♦ 90 Points – Antonio Galloni
“The estate’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges is a soft, supple wine that will drink beautifully over the next few years. Sweet black cherries, plums, herbs and licorice are some of the notes that take shape in this soft, caressing Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.”
The Story of Quattro
The Story of Quattro: Fortune & Fate From Four Vineyards
Quattro represents the harmonious result of a winemaker’s instinct, quick thinking, and a touch of serendipity. It all began on October 15 during the 2012 harvest, there remained a small quantity of grapes from 4 outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet vineyards, and it looked as though the fermentation vessels were already full. With limited tank space remaining, Winemaker Peter Velleno found himself in a jam. Recognizing the exceptional quality of the fruit, he made a bold decision – to ferment these precious remnants together in a single small tank.
When the time was right, just as the fermentation was nearing its completion, the winemakers gathered to taste the wine. In that moment, it became evident that an ideal blend had taken place. This prompted them to christen it “Quattro,” in honor of its origins from the 4 distinct vineyard sites across the Napa Valley.
Ever since that fateful day, no further blending has been done with this wine, preserving its unique and authentic character that arose from the different vineyards. Quattro remains a testament to the artistry of winemaking and the importance of nature’s elements.
The vineyards last utilized for this unique Cabernet are Gerlach Hammond, Perata, Rocca, and Villa Amorosa; vineyards typically used in the final blends of our Barone Cabernet Sauvignon and La Castellana Super Tuscan Blend. Quattro’s powerful, structured tannins are backed by hints of blackberry, cassis and leather. This bold Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with filet mignon.
Past Awards & Accolades
Explore our past awards and accolades for our Quattro, Cabernet Sauvignon.
♦ 94 Points – American Fine Wine Competition 2021- Gold Medal
“More than 550 wines from 125 wineries vied for top honors at this invitation only event. The Judging was conducted by a 28-member blue ribbon panel from across the wine industry, included educators, restaurateurs, retailers, journalists, and top sommeliers from across the country.”
♦ 93 Points – Owen Bargreen
“The outstanding, deeply-colored 2018 Castello di Amorosa ‘Quattro’ Cabernet Sauvignon spent 20 months in 65% new French oak before bottling. Ripe dark currants and huckleberries mark the nose, alongside wet gravel and graphite notes. The palate is soft and very seamless, creating a weightless effect. Drink 2022-2034.”
Oakville Collection
On Hallowed Ground
Finesse and attention to detail align to make the Oakville AVA truly special. History and mystique form the backbone of this famed growing region. A unique combination of soil, topography and climate join together here, creating an environment that makes Oakville a viticultural treasure. Napa Valley Oakville wineries are pure and transparent, sculpting the essence and adding subtle nuances to express each unique site.
A History of Excellence
In the heart of Napa Valley, California lies the town of Oakville. Once a steam train stop in the late 1800s, Oakville owes its name to the dense groves of native oak which once covered the area. Today, the Oakville name is synonymous with excellence in winemaking. H. W. Crabb planted the first vineyard here in 1868, 240 acres of land close to the Napa River that he named To Kalon. By 1877, Crabb was producing 50,000 gallons of wine per year.
In 1903, the United States Department of Agriculture established an experimental vineyard station in Oakville. Known as “Oakville Station”, the vineyard has been operated by the University of California at Davis for more than 50 years. The department has conducted critical viticulture research here, including trials of clones, rootstocks, vine spacing, pruning levels, irrigation and more.
The Oakville AVA is 5,700 acres in total and one of the largest vineyard areas in Napa Valley with 5,000 of those acres planted. Oakville’s soils are primarily gravelly and sandy, but a small portion is a mix of clay and sandy loam. It wasn’t until 1993 that the Oakville AVA was officially declared a sub-appellation of Napa Valley.
Oakville AVA: Cult Status
Oakville AVA’s status as a world-class grape-growing region is solidified in part because of the number of great Napa Valley wineries that call the region home. Known for its pricey cult wines, the excellent publicity of Oakville’s wines can partly be attributed to the unique quality of its soils and climate. This collection of family-owned vineyards is often tended to by meticulous growers.
Producers here focus on cultivating limited parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and smaller parcels of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Bordeaux-style blends are especially popular here and some critics even compare these wines to some of the finest Old-World Bordeaux labels. Critics claim these Oakville wines strike a perfect balance between lively acidity and sweet fruit. Unlike many other bold red wines produced in the Napa Valley, which tend to taste quite jammy and fruit-forward, Oakville wines are thought to be more complex and earthy. These age-worthy Cabernet routinely exhibit aromas that range from boysenberry, ripe blackberry, and blueberries, with hints of spice, tobacco leaf, and leather. When it comes to growing Cabernet Sauvignon, the region is just right. This helps the Oakville to perfectly express the essential qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon in deep, complex wines that last for decades.
Old World Heart & New World Style
During the growing season, temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s are common. Nights cool down dramatically, preserving acidity in the grapes. Cool marine fog can linger until late morning, chilling the fruit and protecting it from the morning sun.
Annual rainfall is about the same as Bordeaux, around 35 inches per year. In contrast to Bordeaux, Oakville gets most of the rain in winter. The climate and soils of Oakville allow Cabernet Sauvignon to reach perfect ripeness every year. Known for its bedrock soil, the result of sedimentary deposits from the hills that form Napa Valley. The soil is gravelly, with exceptionally good drainage. Wind and fog arriving from San Pablo Bay affect the morning and evening hours, but their effects are limited by the intervening Yountville Mountains. The western edge features the famous gravelly alluvial fans that include Martha’s Vineyard and to Kalon.
Oakville’s soils can vary considerably. In the east hills the soils are made up of rust red, volcanic rock and iron, mixed into the gravel and loam. A smaller portion of the AVA is a mix of clay and well-drained sandy loam.
Oakville AVA Comes To The Castle
We are pleased to announce the two newest additions to the Castle family. Our 2018 Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon & our 2018 Oakville, Red Blend both produced in the world-famous growing region.
2018 OAKVILLE
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
This limited production Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the fabled growing region of Oakville. Located in central Napa Valley, Oakville has been noted for its ability to produce award winning cult wines. The wine exhibits hints of opulent dark cherries, blackberry, spice box and espresso bean. Backed by silky tannins and a great mouthfeel. Give the wine time to develop and you will be rewarded with additional layers of complexity.
2018 OAKVILLE
Red Blend
Napa Valley
This Bordeaux style blend is open and approachable with soft textures. Layers of dark red fruits, licorice, black currant, anise and vanilla are present in the blend. This limited production wine hails from the Oakville AVA, one of the most respected growing regions in the world.
Cabernet Sauvignon is King
Cabernet Sauvignon The King of Napa Valley
Your Guide to Napa Valley Cabernet
In Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon will forever remain king. Here at Castello di Amorosa we take pride in our Cabernet Sauvignon collection. With over 16 Cabernet choices at the Castle, winemakers Brooks Painter and Peter Velleno produce a bevy of single vineyard and blended Cabernet options. Both of these styles can reflect the desires and personality of the winemaker while still presenting familiar flavors that express the typical characteristics of the Napa Valley growing regions. The main stylistic difference in Napa Valley Cabernet is illustrated in the differences between the hillside/mountain vineyards and those on flatter valley floors. Further differences are illustrated within the 16 nested American Viticultural Area (AVA’s) within Napa Valley. With a comprehensive history in Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were first planted by George Calvert Yount in 1839. In 1976, The Judgement of Paris took place, in which Napa Valley Cabernet went head up against heavily favored French wines. The event would be a blind tasting judged by France’s foremost wine experts. In the end the French judges awarded a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as best in class, beating out a Burgundy and Bordeaux respectively. This victory marked a major turn in the perception of Napa Valley wine quality.
The valley floor itself is 30 miles long and 5 miles wide, this means there is extremely limited vineyard space. Cabernet Sauvignon is by far the dominant varietal planted by vintners, representing well over 60% of the grapes planted in Napa Valley. Wine production in the Napa Valley only represents 0.4% of the US wine production on a year by year basis.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the resounding favorites when it comes to wine enthusiasts across the globe. The varietal has origins in France that date back to the 1600s. A red Cabernet grape plant was accidentally bred with a Sauvignon Blanc grape plant, Cabernet Sauvignon was born from this accident, and the rest is history. Today it is the most sought after variety by Wine Collectors in all regions.
Cabernet Sauvignon Blends
Wine blends often deliver increased complexity and can be more interesting than single varietal wines. In fact, some of the world’s greatest wines are made from a blend of grapes rather than a single varietal. Blending gives the advantage and potential of adding complexity to the resulting wine and provides a tapestry of multiple flavors and aromatics. It also offers an opportunity to achieve balance– the happy ‘marriage’ of fruit, acid, tannin, alcohol, and oak that makes great wines sing in perfect harmonic splendor. They also give our winemakers the freedom to make the very best wine possible, choosing vineyard sites that best balance one another. We use a blend of fruit from some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon growing regions in Napa Valley, including the Rutherford AVA, Yountville AVA, Coombsville AVA and our own Diamond Mountain District estate vineyard which surrounds the Castello. Every year our Cabernet Sauvignon blends are unique. These blends allow our winemakers a freedom to make the best wine possible. Explore our selection of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon blends below.
Il Barone ♦ La Castellana ♦ Sinalunga ♦ Trenta ♦ Cabernet NV ♦ Quattro ♦ Diamond Mountain ♦ Rutherford ♦ Grigsby ♦ Howell
Single-Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Each individual vineyard is alive with personality and nuance that show through in every vine and every grape. These single-vineyard wines best reflect the Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics of each vineyard. Our grapes are grown in some of the most coveted vineyards in the Napa Valley, a collection of the finest AVAs (American Vinicultural Areas) throughout the Napa Valley. Our philosophy is to make elegant, intensely flavored, and well-balanced wines that showcase the “terroir” of each unique vineyard site. In this way, we can experience the flavor and aromas of the vineyard itself. At Castello di Amorosa every one of our wines is the pure expression of its particular vineyard. No two vineyards are alike.
Butala ♦ Morisoli-Borges ♦ Melanson ♦ Rapp Ranch ♦ Manley Lane ♦ Don Thomas
Sinalunga, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: Sinalunga is a wine epitomizing the love, passion, quality, attention to detail, and dedication that went into the making of Castello di Amorosa. Named for the small Tuscan commune near siena which inspired Dario Sattui to construct the Castello, this Exceptional, limited-production wine is symbolic of the castle itself, a crowning achievement. The idea was to create a wine that is the best thing we’ve ever done. Put as much love in the wine as we have into the Castle and as the Monastery in Sinalunga, Italy. So we decided to name the wine Sinalunga, I hope this wine will be the epitome of everything we’ve learned, of all our love and passion for winemaking. In this way I honor Sinalunga, and all my years ive spent in Italy.
Tasting Notes: Blackberry jam, licorice and chocolate
Vineyards: A blend of the Castello’s top high-end Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards from the best growing regions of Napa Valley. Only the best vineyard blocks are used in Sinalunga production.
Featured Napa Valley AVA: This limited edition Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced primarily from top vineyards in the Rutherford AVA of Napa Valley, an area famous for producing layered and complex Cabernet Sauvignon. Rutherford AVA
Production: Extremely Limited Production
Food Pairing: This bold limited edition Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with filet mignon, roast duck, or venison with wild mushrooms.
Cellaring: Expected to easily age 20+ years.
Highest Scores/Awards: 97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, 2018.“Lots of cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth notes emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Sinalunga, another powerful, concentrated 2018 from Castello di Amorosa. One of the more structured, tannic wines in the lineup, it has full-bodied richness, a wonderfully pure, layered texture, and terrific balance. Bottles need a good 4-6 years of bottle age, but it should evolve for 30 years or more.”
Il Barone, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: Il Barone is a very flavorful, elegant and structured red wine in the style of high-quality, very limited-production, fine Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the Napa Valley. Our Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from our top vineyards throughout Napa Valley, and shows dense flavors of dark berries, baking spice, and powerful, structured tannins.
Tasting Notes: Enticing notes of black cherry, cassis, and dark chocolate with hints of savory spices, this full-bodied wine displays polished tannins and an elegantly balanced mouthfeel.
Vineyards: Sourced from our top vineyards throughout Napa Valley, selected vineyards change year to year depending on quality.
Featured Napa Valley AVA: The majority of the fruit comes from the Rutherford AVA, a region famed for producing beautifully structured and complex Cabernet Sauvignon.
Production : Limited Production
Food Pairing: Pair with foods as bold as the wine, such as roast game meats, grass-fed steak, or grilled portabello mushrooms with reduced balsamic vinegar glaze.
Cellaring: Expected to easily age 10-20 years
Highest Scores/Awards: 96 Points – Jeb Dunnuck – 2017 “The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Il Barone (there’s 5% Merlot in the blend) is a selection geared to be a rich, powerful wine and it succeeds admirably, offering full-bodied richness and depth, awesome tannin quality, no hard edges, and a complex notes of black and blue fruits, Asian spices, chocolate, and earthy, forest floor nuances. It’s another brilliant wine in this lineup.”
Trenta, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: Trenta is an artfully crafted Cabernet Sauvignon as impressive and unique as the Castello itself. This powerful blend was aged in new French oak barrels for 30 months, a year longer than any other Castello di Amorosa reserve wine. This extended aging deeply integrates the oak to compliment the intense black fruit profile of the wine, elevating the aroma, flavor, and texture. The barrel also provides soft finishing touches which showcase the Cabernets deep flavor
Tasting Notes: velvety soft tannins and intense black cherry and currant flavors. Dense and complex with toasted oak notes that carry these fruit forward flavors throughout the finish. The additional time in the barrel provides the Cabernet with rich depth and deeper complex flavors of Caramel, Light Smoke & Hazelnut.
Vineyards: Sourced from our top vineyards throughout Napa Valley, selected vineyards change year to year depending on quality.
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Rutherford AVA & Yountville AVA – A blend of the Castello’s top high-end Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards from the best growing regions of Napa Valley. The majority of the fruit comes from the Rutherford AVA, a region famed for producing beautifully structured and complex Cabernet Sauvignon. Trenta is the only Cabernet blend that features Melanson and Don Thomas fruit, two extremely limited single vineyard wines.
Production : Extremely Limited Production
Food Pairing: Wine that should be equally as special as the meal you pair with it, live opulently with a dry-aged well-marbled beef steak with cracked black pepper.
Cellaring: Expected to easily age 10-15 years
Highest Scores/Awards: N/A
La Castellana, Super Tuscan Blend, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: La Castellana is a harmonious blend that strikes a balance between power and elegance. Our “Lady of the Castle” is a Super Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese, with excellent long-term aging potential.
Tasting Notes: Dark stone fruit, spices, red cherries, and floral notes are supported by silky, polished tannins.
Vineyards: Sourced from our top vineyards throughout Napa Valley, selected vineyards change year to year depending on quality.
Featured AVA: Rutherford AVA & Yountville AVA
Production : Limited Release
Food Pairing: This elegant “Super Tuscan” wine goes well with lamb, sausage, grilled steak, Venison or a great pasta dish such as Pappardelle with wild boar (Dario’s favorite).
Cellaring: Expected to easily age 10+ years
Highest Scores/Awards: 93 Points – Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast Magazine – 2008 “Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a splash of Sangiovese, this super Tuscan-style blend is powerful in every respect. It shows massively concentrated blackberry and crème de cassis flavors, with notes of dark chocolate and spices. The oak is rich and toasty, the tannins thick but as soft as silk, and the acidity lively enough to give all this richness a racy hit. Best enjoyed now and over the next 2–3 years for sheer Napa exuberance.”
Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: A bold and balanced Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with Excellent now but can age well for over a decade.A touch of Petit Verdot and Malbec balance the rich dark fruit and tannins of the Cabernet, adding a vibrancy to its lush mouthfeel and lingering finish.
Tasting Notes: Enticing notes of black cherry, cassis, and dark chocolate with hints of savory spice.
Vineyards: A blend of fruit from some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon growing regions in Napa Valley, including our own Diamond Mountain District estate vineyard which surrounds the Castello.
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Diamond Mountain AVA, Combsville AVA,
Production: General Release
Food Pairing: Excellent to pair with steak with cocoa and coffee rub, chicken mole, or grilled meats.
Cellaring: Potential to age 10+ years
Highest Scores/Awards: 2018 – 93 Points – James Suckling “A rich, layered red with ripe berry, plum and some cedar and oak. It’s medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins and a medium austere finish. Some toast and bitterness at the end. Give it time to open. Try after 2022.”
Quattro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from four top vineyards all co-fermented in a single tank, this powerfully-structured, limited production Napa Valley Cabernet was a result of our winemaking team’s quick thinking, and a tribute to the record 2017 harvest season.Quattro is the result of the winemaker’s instinct, quick thinking, and a little bit of luck. On October 15, 2017, after harvesting Cabernet Sauvignon from 4 of the Castello’s top vineyards, a small quantity from each was left over due to the 4 intended fermentation vessels coming full. Knowing that the fruit was all of great quality, he decided to ferment the leftovers together in a single small tank. Upon tasting the wine just as the fermentation was finishing up, we knew something special had occurred, and we proclaimed that the “Quattro” warranted a unique bottling. No blending has been done with this wine since that fateful day the grapes were plucked from the 4 distinct vineyard sites from across the Napa Valley
Tasting Notes: Enticing notes of black cherry, cassis, and dark chocolate with hints of savory spice.
Vineyards: Dependent on Season
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Diamond Mountain AVA, Combsville AVA, Rutherford AVA,
Production: Extremely Limited Production
Food Pairing: Excellent to pair with steak with cocoa and coffee rub, chicken mole, or grilled meats.
Cellaring: Expected to cellar 7-12+ years.
Highest Scores/Awards: N/A
Diamond Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: A single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the volcanic soils of the hillside vineyards surrounding the Castello in the Diamond Mountain District AVA. Meant for cellaring up to 10 years.The Diamond Mountain District is one of the northern-most growing regions in Napa Valley, and is home to Castello di Amorosa. The volcanic soils and sloped landscape characteristic of the mountain limit grapevine growth leading to an especially concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasting Notes: The volcanic soils of this hillside vineyard give this Cabernet Sauvignon a firm structure, with intense notes of blackcurrant, cassis and green olive. Bold yet with a supple texture and balanced tannins, this wine shows layers of ripe cherry, juicy berry flavors and cedar.
Vineyards: Villa Amorosa surrounding Castello di Amorosa, This 30 acre estate vineyard surrounds the Castello in the rolling foothills of the Diamond Mountain District. The unique, porous volcanic soils and extended sun exposure above the fog line help to produce rich and powerful Cabernet Sauvignons with chewy textures and diamond-hard tannins.
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Diamond Mountain AVA
Production: General Release
Food Pairing: Food Pairing Notes Excellent to pair with steak with cocoa and coffee rub, chicken mole, hearty mushroom dishes or grilled meats.
Cellaring: Expected to Cellar 10-15 Years.
Highest Scores/Awards: 94 Points, Wine Advocate, 2013 “In the Napa Valley, hillside vineyards of Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain District have thinner, less fertile soils which produce smaller berries with more intense flavors, reminiscent of Bordeaux style wines that require years of aging to mature. The yields are also much lower, 1–2 tons per acre in contrast to the 4–8 tons that can be produced in the more fertile valley floors. Wines produced from mountainside vineyards tend to be characterized by deep inky colors and strong berry aromas. The best.”
Rutherford, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: This elegant Limited-Edition 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Excellent now but can age well for over a decade. It displays traits of a classic earthy tone, a characteristic that is common among Cabernet Sauvignon made in the Rutherford region.
Tasting Notes: displays hints of black cherry, savory spices and hints of minerals. It displays traits of a classic earthy tone, a characteristic that is common among Cabernet Sauvignon made in the Rutherford region.
Vineyards: Rutherford
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Rutherford AVA,
Production: Limited
Food Pairing: Excellent to pair with steak with cocoa and coffee rub, chicken mole, or grilled meats.
Cellaring: Expected to Cellar
Highest Scores/Awards: N/A
Howell Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: With elevations of 1,400 to 2,200 feet, Howell Mountain Cabernets are some of the most concentrated wines in the world. The shallow volcanic soils results in struggling vines, thus resulting in small clusters of tiny grapes. The smaller grapes have a higher skin-to-juice ratio resulting in more complex tannis, adding unique flavors throughout the wine. This elegant Limited-Edition Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon displays hints of cassis, spice, black currant, and cherry flavors. Excellent now but can age well for over a decade.
Tasting Notes: Enticing notes of black cherry, savory spices and hints of minerals.
Vineyards: N/A
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Howell Mountain AVA,
Production: Limited
Food Pairing: Excellent to pair with steak with cocoa and coffee rub, chicken mole, or grilled meats.
Cellaring: Expected to Cellar 10+ Years.
Highest Scores/Awards: N/A
Grigsby Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: This limited-release Cabernet was grown in the Yountville AVA. This single-vineyard cab benefited from the AVA’s rocky, well-drained soils and a long growing season that allowed the fruit time to develop unique flavor characteristics. A complex and full-bodied wine with classic notes of black cherries, warm plums and ground herbs. ints of black cherry, savory spices and hints of minerals. It displays traits of a classic earthy tone, a characteristic that is common among Cabernet Sauvignon made in the Youtville region.
Tasting Notes: A complex and full-bodied wine with classic notes of black cherries, warm plums and ground herbs.
Vineyards: Grigsby Vineyard
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Combsville AVA,
Production: Limited
Food Pairing: Excellent to pair with steak with cocoa and coffee rub, chicken mole, or grilled meats.
Cellaring: Expected to Cellar 10+ Years.
Highest Scores/Awards: N/A
Coombsville, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: Released only in 2017. This limited-time Cabernet Sauvignon displays characterisitcs typical of the Coombsville growing region. Rich earthy notes and mineral flavors give way to a more fruit forward taste. Characterized by its soft but significant tannins, which provide superior mouthfeel. A sophisticated and layered wine filled with complex contrasts. Drink now through 2025.Classic earthy and mineral notes on display.Vineyard Notes
Tasting Notes: Enticing notes of dark fruits, earthy notes and mineral flavors
Vineyards: Wines from the Coombsville AVA can be recognized by their typically soft but significant tannins, which provide structure with underlying layers of earth and minerality. Coombsville is the first place the fog rolls in from the San Pablo Bay and the last place it leaves. This allows the grapes to have long, slow ripening period as vines bud early and grapes are usually among the last to be harvested in the Napa Valley.
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Combsville AVA,
Production: Limited
Food Pairing: Excellent to pair with steak with cocoa and coffee rub, chicken mole, or grilled meats.
Highest Scores/Awards: N/A
Single-Vineyard Wines
These single-vineyard wines best reflect the characteristics of each unique vineyard. Our grapes are grown in some of the most coveted vineyards in the Napa Valley, a collection of the finest AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) throughout the Napa Valley.
Butala, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: Among our most limited edition wines at The Castle is our Butala Cabernet Sauvignon. Available exclusively through our Butala Club Program. This Limited Edition, single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Butala Vineyard, located in the legendary Coombsville AVA of Napa Valley. An exceptional Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with excellent long-term aging potential. This estate vineyard has a very rocky, red volcanic soils and steep hillside slopes. These wines produced a small crop of highly concentrated & structured fruit. The soft tannin structure, unique to Coombsville fruit, can be attributed to the hang-time, which is the longest of any appellation in Napa.
Tasting Notes: Highlighted by flavors of earthy chocolate, black currant & with blackberry aromas.
Vineyards: Butala Vineyard in Coombsville AVA. Located in the legendary Coombsville AVA of the Napa Valley. This estate vineyard has a very rocky, red volcanic soil inhabited by the volcanic sedimentary rock and lava flows formed by the Vaca Range on the eastern side of the Napa Valley.
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Coombsville AVA
Production: Available by Allocation Club Only
Food Pairing: Ideal to pair with filet mignon or beef short ribs.
Cellaring: Expected to easily age 20+ years
Highest Scores/Awards: 2016 – 96 Points – Jeb Dunnuck – “Leading off with the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Butala Vineyard, which is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 7% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot, it reveals a saturated purple color as well as a beautiful bouquet of sweet crème de cassis, blueberries, exotic flowers, orange blossom, and subtle background oak. This medium to full-bodied, elegant, beautifully polished effort is perfectly balanced, has no hard edges, and offers a great finish. It falls into the pretty, elegant end of the spectrum, yet it still has fabulous intensity and length. Drink 2019 – 2039.”
Manley Estate Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: Our newest Castello Estate just had its first harvest in 2021! We are very excited to see the results it produces. So far, so good as the fruit looked amazing as it rolled through the crush pad.
Tasting Notes: Expect to see classic notes displayed in the Rutherford floor AVA.
Vineyards: Manley Estate Vineyard located in the Rutherford AVA.
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Rutherford AVA, Manley estate lies in the heart of Napa Valley just in the Rutherford Bench, home to the famed Rutherford AVA. Known for producing some of the best Cabernet in the world.
Production: N/A
Food Pairing: N/A
Cellaring: N/A
Highest Scores/Awards: N/A
Morisoli-Borges Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: The Morisoli Family started growing grapes in western Rutherford around 1900. This wine comes from a blend of these “old” and “young” blocks, and it expresses the Rutherford appellation’s famous “dust” character, with its unique soft, silky tannins.
Tasting Notes: The silky Cabernet shows hints of blueberries, blackberry jam, cassis, and graphite. The silky Cabernet shows hints of blueberries, blackberry jam, cassis, and graphite.
Vineyards: Morisoli-Borges Vineyard located on the Rutherford Valley Floor.
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Rutherford AVA, This elegant single-vineyard Cabernet comes from the legendary Rutherford AVA in The Napa Valley.
Production: Extremely Limited Production
Food Pairing: Pair with foods as bold as the wine, such as roast game meats, grass-fed steak, or grilled portabello mushrooms with reduced balsamic vinegar glaze.
Cellaring: Expected to Cellar 10-20 Years.
Highest Scores/Awards: 2014 – 96 Points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate “Coming from the valley floor, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard hails from the tenderloin of the so-called bench area. It shows gorgeous fruit, loads of blueberry, blackberry and cassis notes, licorice and incense followed by an opulent, voluptuously textured, super-sexy style with oodles of glycerin, fruit and extract. This is a stunner and irresistible already. Moreover, it should age nicely for another 15 or more years.”
Melanson Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: This limited release wine is a wonderful example of the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill, touted for its steep, well-drained sloped and rugged volcanic soils. This wine will age elegantly for the next 10-15 years.
Tasting Notes: Inky black in color, black fruit aromas and earthy notes show the intensity and character of this wine. Intense fruit is framed by a very sturdy and age worthy tannin structure. Inky black in color, velvety tannis, black fruit aromas and earthy notes show the intensity and character of this site.
Vineyards: Located in hillside vineyards near the town of St. Helena.
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Vineyard rests high (1,200 ft) on the Eastern hills of the Napa Valley overlooking Saint Helena. The location, known as Pritchard Hill, is touted for its steep, well-drained slopes and rugged volcanic soils. Melanson Vineyard rests high on the eastern hills which overlooks Lake Hennessey in the Napa’s eastern mountains.
Production: Extremely Limited Production
Food Pairing: This bold single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with filet mignon, roast duck, or venison with wild mushrooms.
Cellaring: Expected to Cellar 10-20 Years.
Highest Scores/Awards: 2017 – 97 Points – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate
“Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvingon, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard has a deep purple-black color and stunning perfume of candied violets, chocolate-covered cherries, potpourri and menthol over a warm cassis and crushed black plums core plus a waft of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house, with a firm, grainy texture and tons of freshness lifting the densely packed fruit to a good long finish. Drink 2020 – 2038.”
Rapp Ranch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: Long established as a premier horse ranch in the rural countryside of southern Napa Valley, is located in the heart of Coombsville. The defining characteristics of Coombsville, the newest sub-appellation in the Napa Valley, are the long, cool growing seasons that reward patient winemakers with intensely concentrated and complex wines.
Tasting Notes: is inky purple in color, with an imposing structure that frames a mouthful of savory spices, blackberries, and wild herbs. The tannins are silky and smooth, leading to a remarkable impression of black fruits and lingering flavors on the palate. Inky purple in color, with an imposing structure that frames a mouthful of savory spices, blackberries, and wild herbs. The tannins are silky and smooth, leading to a remarkable impression of black fruits and lingering flavors on the palate
Vineyards: Rapp Ranch located in the Coombsville AVA of Napa Valley. This fast growing AVA has shown classic traits of elite Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. The area displays red volcanic soil inhabited by the volcanic sedimentary rock and lava flows formed by the Vaca Range on the eastern side of the Napa Valley.
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Coombsville AVA
Production: Extremely Limited Production
Food Pairing: Excellent to pair with steak with cocoa and coffee rub, chicken mole, or grilled meats.
Cellaring: Expected to Cellar 10-20 Years.
Highest Scores/Awards: 2016 – 95 Points – James Suckling “A very deep and intense wine with a gorgeous core of ripe fruit and velvety tannins and a beautiful finish. Full-bodied and flavorful. Energetic finish. Reserved. Better in 2020.”
Don Thomas Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cabernet Description: Don Thomas Vineyard is nested in the rolling hills that define the Western border of Rutherford in the Napa Valley. At every point throughout the life of this limited release wine, special consideration was given to showcase the unique Terroir of this exceptional vineyard.. This wine will age well, with it’s best years still ahead. The impeccable fruit from this sought-after hillside vineyard was hand crafted by Winemaker Brooks Painter into a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon of purity and opulence.
Tasting Notes: This Don Thomas Cabernet shows exceptional character with notes of classic “Rutherford Dust”, tobacco, smoke and grilled herbs. A balanced, fruity red with mineral and berry character, plus hints of currants. Full body with silky tannins and a fresh, tangy finish. This wine shows exceptional character with notes of classic “Rutherford Dust”, tobacco, smoke and grilled herbs
Vineyards: Don Thomas is a 6 acre vineyard, planted exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon, is nestled in the rolling hills that define the western border of the Rutherford AVA in Napa Valley. Located at the valley’s widest point, Rutherford receives more sunlight during the day than other parts of the valley. This, combined with a wide variance of daytime to nighttime temperatures (average fluctuation of 12 degrees in the summer months) allows the fruit to ripen at a steady pace, and helps to make the Rutherford AVA the most famous of Napa Valley’s nested appellations for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.
Featured Napa Valley AVA: Rutherford AVA
Production: Most Limited Single-Vineyard Wine
Food Pairing: Pair with foods as bold as the wine, such as roast game meats, grass-fed steak, or grilled portabello mushrooms with reduced balsamic vinegar glaze.
Cellaring: Expected to Cellar 20+ Years
Highest Scores/Awards: 2016 – 96+ Points – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate
“Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Don Thomas Vineyard is deep purple-black in color and features vibrant notes of crushed wild blueberries, black raspberries and red and black currants with wafts of rose hips, raspberry leaves, unsmoked cigars and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tautly structured with ripe, grainy tannins and beautiful freshness framing the red and black fruit layers, finishing long and mineral laced. Drink 2020 – 2039.”
Trenta
French Oak Barrels – The Inspiration
Introducing Castello di Amorosa’s newest Cabernet family addition, Trenta—a wine aged for 30 months in French Oak barrels. Grown in the best vineyards in Napa Valley, this powerful blend was aged 1 year longer than any other Castello Cabernet. This extended aging deeply integrates the oak to complement the intense black fruit profile of the wine, elevating the aroma, flavor, and texture.
The brainchild of winemaker Peter Velleno, Trenta carefully illustrates the close relationship between the wine & barrel. The 30 months provides this Cabernet blend with depths not normally seen with 18-month barrel cycles. Our winemakers chose to experiment with 30 months in French Oak barrels, which provide 1 extra year in barrels.
30 Months Aging in French Oak Barrels
Barrel aging is the step between fermentation and bottling, which matures the wine and gives it distinct flavors. Barrel aging begins after five to eight days in fermentation tanks. The juice is pressed from the skins and seeds and pumped into French Oak barrels for aging in our extensive underground cave and cellar system. This process normally takes between 6 to 18 months (shorter times for white wine, longer for red wine). Ultimately, wine is aged in barrels for flavor development, maturity, and longevity after bottling. The oxygen that slowly comes through the oak barrel helps the wine mature, and tannins develop the structure of wine over time.
Only the highest quality barrels with tight oak grains and medium-plus toast levels are used. With our Trenta wine, we always use 100% new oak. The medium toast and new oak help to retain the wine’s natural elegance and balance. The toasting level of a barrel is created by exposing the wood to flames, thus creating a char within the wood. The more that wood is exposed to the flame, the more charred the wood becomes. This greatly affects the flavors imparted to the wine. Barrel production is science as well as art.
French Oak barrels have long been preferred by us because of their subtle ability to compliment the wine without overpowering the natural flavor profiles of the fruit. When examining French oak, we find the highest tannin of the oak types. Logs sourced from the Office National des Forêts make for more expensive timber. This results in a more expensive barrel that is appreciated by winemakers for its unique flavor characteristics. We are sure that Trenta will provide all these great characteristics of high-quality French oak barrels.
Wine Profile
Trenta is made from a blend of the Castello’s top high-end Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards from the best growing regions of Napa Valley. The majority of the fruit is sourced from the Rutherford AVA, Coombsville AVA and Yountville AVA. All famed regions for producing beautifully structured complex Cabernet Sauvignon. Trenta is the only Cabernet blend that features Melanson and Don Thomas fruit, two extremely limited single vineyard wines.
Every year the blend used to make Trenta is unique. Each year before bottling, we select a few Cabernets to incorporate into a new blend that we think will improve even further with another year in barrels.
Limited Production
Each bottle of wine is 750 ml, so for each gallon of wine you have, you will be producing five bottles. If you have a large 60-gallon barrel, it holds approximately 300 bottles of wine. Meaning that we only made a few barrels worth of this wine, making it one of our most limited productions.
A wine unlike any other with luscious, velvety soft tannins and intense black cherry and currant flavors. Dense and complex with toasted oak notes that carry these fruit forward flavors throughout the finish, this well aged wine is beautifully presented now, but can easily age for years to come. The barrel also provides soft finishing touches which showcase the Cabernets deep flavor. The additional time in the barrel provides the Cabernet with rich depth and deeper complex flavors of Caramel, Light Smoke & Hazelnut.
Our 2018 Trenta is for sale now, made is extremely limited number. We are proud to present Trenta: a wine symbolic of our winemaking team, a crowning achievement.
Manley Lane Vineyard
Manley Lane Vineyard in Rutherford, Napa Valley
On the corner of Manley Lane and Highway 29 is Castello’s estate vineyard which is located in Rutherford, home of unique terroir and some of Napa Valley’s most historic and world famous wines.
By most standards, the Manley Lane estate vineyard is tiny. It’s a mere 3 acres and is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The human touch with this vineyard starts with care provided by Vineyard Manager, David Bejar, who tends to the vineyard throughout the year, sets us up to produce a word-class Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Recently, leading international wine critic, Jeb Dunnuck evaluated the 2021 Manley Lane Cabernet Sauvignon and scored it 94 points!
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Manley Estate Vineyards – Rutherford AVA
The Rutherford AVA is an American Viticulatural Area located within Napa Valley AVA and centered on the town of Rutherford, California. The area is known for it’s unique terroir particularly with it’s Cabernet Sauvignon. The well-drained soil of this area is composition of gravel, loam and sand with volcanic deposits and marine sediments from the Franciscan Assemblage. The appellation accounts for only 6,650 acres.
Rutherford is an appellation within the appellation, which has a diversity of soils, exposure, and orientation that is as complex as Napa Valley. The alluvial soil fans that deliver into Rutherford from the east and west. What most people don’t understand about Rutherford dust is that it represents a later ripening site in the heart of the valley, which slows the ripening down to add finesse and complexity to the wines. Historical records show that a portion of the vineyard was actually planted in 1895 by Mrs. Thomas Rutherford herself
“The Rutherford Dust”
The legend of Rutherford dust starts with the regions superior soil makeup. The lighter dirt on the valley floor helped differentiate it from the other Napa Valley AVA’s. Thus giving the region the term “Rutherford Dust”, now the name is used around the world by winedrinkers alike. In Rutherford, the deeper soils and microclimates create longer growing seasons and ‘hang time’ that seem to round out the tannins in a soft, dusty style. The lighter soil dust gives the Rutherford region a special flavor profile that differentiates it from other Napa Valley regions. This gives wines from the area a powdery ‘fine dusty tannin’ effect with hints of plump cocoa powder.
Cabernet Country
Director of Winemaking Brooks Painter noted “The quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from the Manley Lane Vineyard is astounding. It is deep, rich and full of intense flavors that can only come from valley floor Cabernet. We can’t wait to share the wine made from this vineyard in the very near future. Cheers to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon!”
Red Wine Chocolate Cherry Cake
Recipe Date: July 3rd, 2020
Difficulty: Easy
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Red Wine Chocolate Cherry Cake
From Pastry Tales
With Cherry season in full swing, our favorite collaborator at Pastry Tales had a special recipe in mind. If you love wine & chocolate, you are sure to love the recipe. The chocolate cake creates an ideal match for fresh cherries. The cake is highlighted by our 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.
Ingredients
For the cake
1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup dark cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup red wine. I used Cabernet Sauvingon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh cherries. Sliced and pitted.
For the ganache/icing:
3 ounces semi sweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces. If you don’t have baking chocolate, you can use chocolate chips.
1 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons red wine. I used Cabernet Sauvignon
Instructions
For the cake
Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter and flour your baking pan. Line the bottom of your pan with parchment paper.
1.- In a mixing bowl add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cocoa powder and sugar. Mix. Set aside.
2.- In a smaller bowl mix eggs, oil, vanilla extract, wine. Mix well.
3.- Using a mixer in low speed, add the wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until everything is combined. Do not overmix.
4.- Using a spatula fold in cherries.
5.- Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan.
6.- Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If you notice the top of your cake is all baked but the inside isn’t ready yet, just cover the top with a piece of foil and keep baking until it’s done.
For the glaze
1.- In a heat-proof bowl mix the chocolate, light corn syrup and butter. Place this bowl in the microwave and heat it up medium heat for about 40 seconds. Take the bowl out of the microwave, stir well and do another 40 seconds. Mix well until everything is well combined and chocolate is melted. Be careful to not overheat the chocolate because it can burn.
2.- Place this bowl on a cooling rack and let it cool completely. It will thicken more when it cools off.
Enjoy and cheers!
Related Products – Cabernet Sauvignon
Sautéed Button Mushrooms
Recipe Date: February 26th, 2020
Difficulty: Easy
Serving Size: 4
Cook Time: 00:15
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Sautéed Button Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 6 tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 lbs whole small button mushrooms, wiped clean
- 3 tbsps butter
- gray sea salt
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 1/2 tsps fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsps lemon juice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the mushrooms. Do not move the mushrooms until they have caramelized on the bottom. If you toss them too soon, they will release their liquid and begin to steam. When the bottoms are caramelized, toss them and continue to cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the butter. Cook and toss for 5 minutes, until beautifully browned.
- Season with salt and add the garlic. Saute another 2 minutes, and add the thyme, lemon juice, and white wine. Cook to evaporate the liquid.
- Toss in the parsley and serve immediately.
- Enjoy an ideal pairing with a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Filet Mignon. Learn how to cook the perfect filet mignon to pair with your sautéed button mushrooms with this great instructional video from our friends at Best Filet Mignon:
2020 American Fine Wine Competition!
2020 American Fine Wine Competition
We received 9 gold medals at The American Wine Competition. We were the only winery to receive 2 Best of Class Wines. AFWC is “Invitation-only” and includes only wines that received an invitation. The panel of 32 judges include a somm, a wine-trained chef, a wine writer, and an educator, with no producers or distributors to avoid biases. Judges in the AFWC circulate to encourage positive, consistent and careful evaluations.
Best of Show: 2018 Gewurztraminer, Anderson Valley
Winemaker Brooks Painter noted “The grapes for this wine were grown in the Anderson Valley, Mendocino County. We pick after the grapes have developed a pink to reddish hue, and the aromas are effuse with rose petals, cinnamon spice and exotic lychee fruit. We handle the fruit very carefully, avoiding as much as possible some of the more bitter tannins found in the skins. It is cold fermented in stainless steel and bottled in the spring. Gewürztraminer is a grape I am familiar with, as it was one of the first white grapes I made into wine when I started in the wine business 38 years ago. It is delightful with strong cheeses, spicy Asian dishes and sauced white meats.”
Mary Davidek, who runs our highly acclaimed Royal Food & Wine Pairing Tour at the Castello, recommends pairing spicy dishes such as Thai or Indian cuisine with Gewurztraminer, to complement the sweet & spicy elements of the wine.
Best of Class: 2014 Il Barone, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate scored the 2014, 94 Points. Parker Noted “The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Il Barone is also impressively endowed with plenty of crème de cassis, blueberry, blackberry fruit, a dense purple color, full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet tannin and a long finish. The wine has more fruit and less minerality than the Butala Vineyard and doesn’t quite show the graphite character, but it is a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 15-20 years. Drink 2016 – 2036.”
Mary Davidek, who runs our highly acclaimed Royal Food & Wine Pairing Tour at the Castello, recommends grilled red meats, wild game, and flavorful cheeses to compliment the excellent 2014 vintage.
All awards from the 2020 American Fine Wine Competition
Castello di Amorosa also received a number of Gold and Double Gold Medals, along with two Best of Class medals for our 2015 Il Barone, Cabernet Sauvignon & 2018 Dry Gewürztraminer. We also received Best of Show White Wine Winner in 2018 Dry Gewürztraminer. Check out the complete list of award winners:
- 2018 DRY GEWURZTRAMINER – Best of Show – Best of Class – 95 Points
- 2014 IL BARONE, RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON – Best of Class – 95 Points
- 2018 RESERVE CHARDONNAY, NAPA VALLEY – Double Gold Medal – 92 Points
- 2018 PINOT NOIR, TERRA DE PROMISSIO – Double Gold Medal – 90 Points
- 2018 CHARDONNAY, BIEN NACIDO – Gold Medal – 91 Points
- 2018 PINOT NOIR, MORNING DEW RANCH – Gold Medal – 90 Points
- 2018 PINOT NOIR, IL RUBINO – Gold Medal – 90 Points
- 2014 LA CASTELLANA, SUPER TUSCAN BLEND – Gold Medal – 90 Points
- 2018 LATE HARVEST GEWURZTRAMINER, ANDERSON VALLEY – Gold Medal – 90 Points
We are always proud of our amazing winemaking team, and look forward to sharing our award-winning wines with you!