2008 The Puzzle

Newton Vineyard
Dedicated to working in harmony with nature to produce remarkable artisan wines, Newton Vineyard transforms fruit of uncompromised quality into wines of distinctive character.  An early pioneer of Spring Mountain and one of the first Napa Valley wineries to craft unfiltered and naturally fermented wines, Newton Vineyard has become one of the most inspiring and fascinating wine estates in the world. 

Wine Philosophy
Spread across the steep hillsides of Spring Mountain, the Newton Vineyard Estate is comprised of 112 unique vineyard blocks intertwined with the existing forested landscape.  The individual character of each parcel results from the varying microclimates of the mountaintop’s many contours and rugged terrain providing our winemaker diverse components with which to create an interesting, complex wine.  The winery is designed to allow these small lots to be kept separate until our winemaker artfully assembles these unique parcels, like pieces of a puzzle, into a multi-faceted blend. As a result of meticulous vineyard and winemaking practices, The Puzzle offers the finest expression of our Spring Mountain Estate.

Vintage Notes
After a mild growing season, a brief heat spike around Labor Day added the boost of sugar development we were looking for to complement the excellent acid structure developed in the grapes.  Unseasonably cool and wet weather arrived in mid-October. Although 25-50% of our crop remained on the vine, the thick skins and small clusters fared well. 

Tasting Notes
This opulent and opaque wine opens with delicate scents of dried flowers mingled with anise, black cherry, cassis and cedar aromas layered with dark fruit.  The palate explodes with concentrated black fruit – cherry and plum – with hints of black licorice, spicy vanilla and dark chocolate powder accented by an appealing earthy, forest floor character.  The firm structure and well-integrated tannins suggest this wine will reward careful cellaring.

Food & Wine Pairing
The elegance and finesse of The Puzzle makes it an exceptional accompaniment to a lamb roast or Winemaker Chris Millard suggests savoring it with a nice aged  Cheddar at the end of a meal.

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