2018 Newton 'The Puzzle' Proprietary Red Napa Valley
Deep ruby color with a purple hue. Notes of black fruit, bay leaf and sage mingle with iodine and oyster shell characteristics, creating an extremely complex and pleasant bouquet.
The Napa Valley of the 1970's is a far cry from the one we know today. In those early years, there were only a few trailblazers who dared to venture into the wilds of remote areas like Spring Mountain. Instead of simply seeing trees and rugged land, Dr. Sue Hua and Peter Newton envisioned vineyards. In 1977 they purchased a one mile block of land on Spring Mountain overlooking the Napa Valley. When they began planting vines, they did so in 112 separate blocks scattered amongst forested land to maintain the natural balance of the native habitat. At Newton, meticulous farming is met with meticulous winemaking, as the winery was designed so that the fruit has to endure as minimal handling as possible. Caves were dug into the hillside (preserving the gardens above, and offering barrels the ideal natural environment for aging). True to their guiding philosophy of working in harmony with nature, grapes are carefully handled, gently pressed and fermented as individual lots from each of those parcels. Newton is quite renowned for their "Unfiltered" wines, which have been bottled without filtration, preserving the wine's vital freshness and loads of personality.
James Suckling
Dried violets, potpourri, pine, blackcurrants and cloves on the nose. Ash, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins. Layers of juicy blue and purple fruit and flowers. So sleek and refined. Builds on the palate. From organically grown fruit. Try from 2024.