“With this first vintage of Laurea, we have produced a wine that is approachable and pleasurable now, but will age gracefully over time. Its fantastic flavors are juicy and friendly, and express an immediacy and charm that are irresistible.”

~ Nigel Kinsman, Winemaker

2018 is the inaugural vintage of Laurea – a new and exciting project from the Araujo family for which Winemaker Nigel Kinsman utilizes the remaining juice left over from their flagship bottling; Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.

While Accendo always represents a strict selection of fruit, intended to produce the most age-worthy wine of the vintage, Laurea has been bottled in an effort to craft a more approachable cuvee. Supple tannins and vibrant red fruit define the overall profile of a wine that is delicious and ready to drink young but will age gracefully just as well.

Made exclusively at the Araujo’s Wheeler Farms winemaking facility in St. Helena, the inspiration for Laurea was drawn from the name ‘Daphne’, the Greek word for ‘Laurel.’

The blend – 95/4/1: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc – contains fruit from many of the same lots used for their Accendo Cellars bottling (Cabernet Sauvignon from Vine Hill Ranch in Oakville and Petit Verdot from Thorevilos, which is located just below the 1400 ft. marker point of Howell Mountain), as well as fruit from select young vine sources, contracted exclusively to the Araujo family.

While Laurea is meant to be a more accessible wine at a young age, the inaugural 2018 calls on the serious nature of its big brother, Accendo Cellars. Dark black fruit such as blackberry, black current and cassis jump out on the nose alongside hints of forest floor, sweet leather, and cigar box. The palate is lush, elegant, and juicy with a long and vibrant finish that indicates a wine of medium-plus to high complexity. I believe this is a wine that is drinking beautifully now but will definitely see benefits from 3-5 years of cellar aging.

It was an absolute honor to be able to taste the inaugural 2018 vintage alongside Mayacama Vintner Member Greg Araujo and so it is just as well my pleasure to be able offer this wine to you today.

As always, please feel free to let me know if you have any questions regarding the wines.

Thank you for your support!

Cheers!

Carey Vanderborg - Wine Director

$125 per bottle, 3 bottle minimum