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In the glass, this wine appears inky-black with a velvety core. On the nose, however, you are treated to the lightness of fresh violets, crushed blueberries, and cocoa.

The aromas of 2013 Checkerboard Aurora Vineyard offer nuances of spice, smoke, and roasted game meat. On the palate, seductive, dark fruit is seamlessly interlaced with sage and tobacco leaf.

Our Single Vineyard collection is inspired by the Herzog family's ongoing commitment to sourcing and prospecting new vineyards. The Dry Creek Valley appellation features ancient hills with rocky soil that drains exceptionally well helping to stress the vines late in the growing season, and concentrate the flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon. This single vineyard wine displays a rich velvet ruby color, with aromas of blackberry, cinnamon and spice. Bold flavors of black raspberry appear in the finish, with silky notes of vanilla.

From our estate located on Highway 246 in the north corridor of the Sta. Rita Hills and planted in 2016, the soils here consist of Elder series loams over marine sedimentary rock below. The pinot noir sits to the eastern side, and also the upper slope of the field, on the darkest, most clay rich soils on the property which are most conducive to producing exceptional pinot noir.

Plum core, crimson rim with a glossy sheen. There is an otherworldly aromatic element that is hard to define, a natural result of two hemispheres united by one winemaking philosophy. The Arabian spice souk leads the charge: dark, savory spice blends – harissa, baharat, cloves, nutmeg, pimento, cinnamon, fennel, anise. Deli meats provide further appeal: pastrami, jamón ibérico, finocchiona. Generous fruits, fresh punnets of blackberry, cassis liqueur, dehydrated blood orange.