PRIOR TO MAKING my first vintage in 2003 of my Palazzo ‘Right Bank’ Proprietary Red Blend, I literally walked hundreds of vineyards for almost 2 years ... tasting fruit ... checking soils and ripening patterns ... barrel sampling, etc.

I was looking for just the ‘right place’ where my fruit should come from in Napa Valley. Vineyards that would allow me to produce and make the wine that I had fallen in love with while I was a young man in my late teens & early 20’s in Saint Émilion, Bordeaux France.

My heart ended up choosing beautiful hillside vineyards located in the ‘cooler’ Carneros Appellation of Napa Valley. I feel this area, more so than the other growing regions in Napa, produces fruit much more reminiscent of the ‘Right Bank’ growing region of Bordeaux ... both in flavors, as well as complexity.

Because of the location and proximity to the ‘cooling effects’ of the San Pablo Bay, Carneros in my opinion, more than any other appellation in Napa Valley, allows for a much slower, more gradual and evenly balanced growing season. Temperatures are more moderate throughout the growing season, as well as during the last several, crucial weeks at Harvest Time. In addition, every year the grapes in Carneros get to enjoy an extra 2 to 4 weeks ‘hang-time’ on the vine before Harvest. This extra ‘time on the vine’ allows the grapes to achieve a wonderful balance of fruit / sugar ripeness, as well as beautiful resolved / mature tannins, known as phenolic ripeness. The proximity to the cool fog and breezes from the San Pablo Bay, makes the climate in Carneros much cooler ... and a naturally superb growing region for ‘cool climate’ Bordeaux grape varietals like Merlot & Cabernet Franc.

I am a huge fan of the Napa Carneros Appellation! And I continue to be extremely pleased and thrilled year after
year, with the quality of the fruit that consistently comes from Carneros. It’s the Carneros Region ... and the great
fruit grown there ... that allows me to produce my Palazzo Wines with the style, richness and finesse that I desire
for my wines.

My goal for PALAZZO WINE is, and always will be, to produce beautiful wines of distinction and class ... that are
both ‘powerful & elegant’… and that pair well with a broad range of food. Reminiscent of the style and quality
of wines from the wonderful ‘Right Bank’ region of Bordeaux, France! [ LESS ]

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