Checkerboard Coyote Ridge Vineyard Red Blend Diamond Mountain 2014

If we refer to a small, estate winery or vineyard as a jewel, then the Diamond Mountain District 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: Diamond Creek, Constant-Diamond, The Vineyardist, and our royal highlight for the day, 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, a woman known for painstakingly meticulous winemaking (and also known for her winemaking at Levy & McClellan, Sloan, Vineyard 7&8, Hamel, and formerly at Blankiet and Harlan). When we sat down with their team last week to taste their current releases, we asked the question that always makes this job way more fun - "What else do you have?" Well as it turns out, Checkerboard offered us something quite special! To celebrate the last 10 years of winemaking, they are opening their cellar doors and sharing two stunning wines from 2014, one of which is only accessible via the winery...until now!

2014 was an ideal growing season with no unexpected days over 100 degrees. The drought was in full swing, and as a result the crop was small and harvest came early, but the quality of fruit was exceptional. There is nuance and finesse in this vintage that makes it ripe for the drinking after 10 years of rest. If you enjoy fruit in your Cabs but like a bit of age to integrate the powerful tannins that Diamond Mountain is known for, then these 2014's are perfect for your enjoyment now. Aged flawlessly in the Checkerboard caves...hard to ask for better TLC than that!

“Coyote Ridge Vineyard is sited at 900 feet in elevation and composed of red clay and shattered basalt rock.  The vineyard’s name comes from a fondness for a family of coyotes who protect the vines from burrowing pests. 2014 Checkerboard Coyote Ridge offers a kaleidoscope of aromas that include abundant red fruit, tobacco leaf, caramel and pink tellicherry peppercorn.  Its inherent floral nature is derived from its place and nuanced with bay leaf and fresh pencil shavings.  Full bodied and luxurious, this superb illustration of Coyote Ridge demonstrates the vineyard’s continuing maturity and evolution." ~ Martha McClellan