FUTO Estate OV|SL Red Wine Napa Valley 2015

FUTO Estate is an ultra-premium winery located at the top of a pocket canyon that offers jaw-dropping views over Far Niente, Opus One, and with a direct sightline to Dalla Valle, at equal elevation across the valley floor. Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Tom and Kyle Futo purchased what was formerly Oakford Vineyards in 2002, a 40-acre site where Heidi Barrett was once the resident winemaker. Surrounded on three sides by iconic neighbors Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory, this unique property already had all the foundations for optimal elegance and style. Combine this distinguished vineyard location with the design of renowned architect, Howard Backen--a project that took 6 years—and the result is flawless luxury. The FUTO Oakville estate is predominantly planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, with a touch of Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. After establishing their winery, the Futo family purchased another 40-acre property in the Stags Leap District, home to a 9-acre Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vineyard. The resulting wines from each site are undeniably Napa Valley at its very finest.

Jason Exposto, with a degree in Viticulture and Enology from Lincoln University in New Zealand, has been crafting the FUTO wines since 2009. Before joining the team, Jason had worked with Bordeaux varietals in New Zealand, Australia, France, and here in Napa Valley alongside David Abreu. He took over the entire operation just one year in, following coaching from Mark Aubert in 2008 and 2009. Jason also oversees all aspects of vineyard management and viticulture- everything from grape to bottle is under his purview.

The FUTO OV|SL showcases the synergy of the two estate properties. At its core are co fermentations of fruit from these hillsides that the FUTO team believes are perfect foils for one another. Oakville is imposing and impressive with its broad-shouldered stature, while Stags Leap is a timeless beauty with classic proportions. This wine is proof that 1+1 can equal 3.  "The wine perfectly captures both, the vintage and the synergy between our two sites. Rose hip, black cherry, and sweet savory aromas point to the natural richness of the year in its amped up expression. On the palate, chiseled cassis, raspberry and violet flavors pulse with energy, onto a layered graphitic infused bed of fine tannin. Even with all of its aromatic and flavor explosiveness, there is a level of translucence and energy that elevate the wine." ~ Winery tasting notes.  68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot.