2012 Kuleto Danielli, Napa Valley

Vintage 2012 was considered ‘perfect’ by the prognosticators as soon as the last grapes were making their way to the wineries. It was perfect in the sense that quality and quantity benefited both grower and winemaker. The weather cooperated throughout all critical parts of the growing season to produce beautifully ripe and flavorful fruit. Our ‘Danielli’ bottling has evolved from being labeled as ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ to ‘Red Wine’ in order to grant us maximum flexibility in blending the best wine each vintage without having to worry about the 75% varietal minimum. Blending at Kuleto takes place at all stages of the process – at harvest with co-fermentation of different varieties, at racking to build strength and complexity into various pieces of a potential blend, and finally with barrel selection as we approach bottling. The goal for our ‘Danielli’ is to make the most flavorful and supple wine possible. Our 2012 Danielle Red Wine smells like the best berry pie you ever encountered with enticing aromas of baked blue and black fruits, butter, baking crust, cinnamon, sugar, and maybe even some toasted hazelnuts on top! In the mouth, it enters and spreads around almost like a dessert wine with its concentrated sweetness, compact tannins, and juicy acidity. It’s a wine to pour into the largest glass you own, swirl vigorously, and enjoy.