Checkerboard Impetuous Red Wine Napa Valley 2019

If we sometimes refer to a small, estate winery or vineyard as a jewel box, then the Diamond Mountain District in the Napa Valley is a treasure trove! This region of volcanic soils comprises just 500 planted acres, all above 400 feet in elevation, that span the fog-crested Mayacamas Mountains between St. Helena and Calistoga. The established wineries here are few, but they are among Napa’s most prestigious, among them: Diamond Creek, Constant-Diamond, The Vineyardist, and Checkerboard.

Checkerboard Vineyards is located on the southeastern slopes of Diamond Mountain at the northern end of the Napa Valley, farmed by Jim Barbour and handcrafted by Martha McClellan (Levy & McClellan, Sloan, Vineyard 7&8, Hamel, and formerly of Blankiet and Harlan), a woman known for painstakingly meticulous winemaking. Sounds far too expensive for your Tuesday night, no? Well, you are in for an affordable treat! Impetuous is Checkerboard's second label, crafted by the talented Martha McClellan herself from the same barrels that produce the acclaimed King’s Row and Aurora Vineyard. This wine is inspired by the unique terroir found within their four pristine estate vineyards on Diamond Mountain, blended carefully to be enjoyed NOW without the need to decant or age.

The 2019 vintage is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, aged for an astounding 28 months in French oak (of which a judicious 30% is new). When we had the pleasure of tasting this wine, it grew lusher and softer with every passing minute. The palate first opens with an explosion of fresh red and black fruit like Bing cherry and wild blackberry and is followed by notes of cassis, caramel, and a savory herb bouquet. The tannins are soft and plush, allowing the texture of the wine to spread broadly across your palate. And there is a bright, short jolt of acid at the end that ties all the aspects of the wine together in a neat bow. This wine is built to shine today. A no-brainer addition to your collection of weeknight enjoyments!