2024 Napa Valley Rosé
ABOUT NAPA VALLEY ROSÉ
Winemaker Marcus Notaro was initially inspired to craft this exceptional Rosé so guests could savor it during the sun-drenched summer days at the FAY Outlook & Visitor Center while admiring the panoramic views of the Stags Leap Palisades. This delightful wine is produced from carefully selected grapes sourced from our estate vineyards. The style is a fresh and vibrant Rosé, brimming with lively notes that truly encapsulate the spirit of the season, making it the perfect choice for your summer enjoyment.
VINEYARD & WINEMAKING
This Rosé highlights the art of blending, resulting in a lively and complex wine that beautifully reflects both our winemaker's vision and the unique characteristics of the vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from a vineyard we own in the picturesque hills of Wooden Valley, northeast of Napa, while the Cabernet Franc is harvested from our esteemed estate vineyards in the renowned Stags Leap District. The captivating, intense color of this Rosé is achieved through a careful 4-hour soaking process, followed by fermentation and a thoughtful 8-month aging in stainless steel.
VINTAGE
The 2024 season experienced 27.75 inches of rainfall, closely aligning with the five-year average of 24 inches. A cool spring gave way to warmer temperatures, with heat gradually intensifying through May and June. The average daily temperatures in 2024 surpassed those of 2023, marking this year as a warmer vintage overall. In contrast, 2023 was noted as the coolest vintage in the past decade. In July, just before veraison, a heat spike helped manage vine vigor and accelerated flavor development. As a result, both Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, along with many Cabernet Sauvignon blocks, were harvested earlier and at lower brix levels than in previous years, due to this early flavor progression.
The harvest of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay occurred in rapid succession, followed by harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon from warmer sites. Overall, the harvest began and concluded three weeks earlier than the previous year. A brief cooling period in late September was succeeded by an extended heat event in early October, which led to an early conclusion of the harvest. This extended heatwave, with daily highs ranging from 94°F to 107°F stressed the vines, yet they displayed remarkable resilience and sustained minimal cluster damage due to precise and timely irrigation management by our viticulture teams.
The white wines from this vintage stand out with bright, vibrant flavors, characterized by crisp acidity and complexity. Similarly, the red wines enchant with their expressive profiles, elegantly framed by restrained tannins. This vintage embodies excellence, promising wines that will resonate with enthusiasts for years to come.
TASTING NOTES
The 2024 Rosé captivates the senses with enticing aromas of ripe strawberries, succulent cherries, and delectable raspberry sorbet, complemented by subtle notes of wet stone and lychee fruit. On the palate, it delivers a luscious mouthfeel, perfectly balanced by bright acidity. Each sip mirrors the inviting aromas, culminating in a refreshing finish that leaves a lasting impression.