Jericho Canyon Vineyard Chimera 2013 / 14.9% / 0.75 L

In the northern part of Napa Valley, at the foot of Mount St..Helena is home to the Jericho Canyon Vineyard family estate.It was founded in 1989, when Dale and Marla Bleecher purchased 135 acres of wilderness in Calistoga.The vineyard stretches across steep terraces with volcanic soils, which limit yields but give the wines concentration and character.The climate is characterized by hot days and cool, misty nights, which helps maintain a balance between the fruit's ripeness and its freshness.The varieties grown here are mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.Production takes place entirely on-site, which makes these wines truly "estate" wines.The tastings are intimate and take place by reservation only, often including a tour of the terraces all the way to the lookout points.A distinctive symbol of the estate is the “iconic tree,” which also appears on the labels.The cellar was partially carved out of the rock, providing natural conditions for the wines to age.Jericho Canyon is considered one of Napa's most exceptional wineries thanks to its terroir, boutique scale, and long-aging Cabernets.

Jericho Canyon Vineyard Chimera 2013 is an elegant red wine from Napa Valley, crafted in the Bordeaux style from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.In the glass, it captivates with its deep ruby color, and its aroma opens with notes of black currant, blackberry, and cherry, accompanied by violets, a hint of spice, and dried fig.On the palate, it is juicy and vibrant, with a predominance of dark fruits, well-integrated acidity, and smooth tannins that lend the wine elegance and structure.The finish is long and fruity, with subtle spicy notes, making this wine a great pairing for red meat, game, or aged cheeses.Chimera 2013 also has the potential to continue aging, which means it may develop even greater depth and complexity over time.

Appearance: A deep, ruby-purple color of high intensity, with slight navy blue reflections at the rim of the glass, attesting to its youthful freshness despite the passage of time.

Aroma: Rich and complex, with notes of black currant, blackberry, and ripe cherry.There are also notes of violets and dried figs, along with subtle hints of spices and cedar, highlighted by an elegant oak background.

Taste: Full-bodied and juicy, with a predominance of dark fruits—currants and blackberries—combined with smooth, ripe tannins and lively acidity.The structure is well-balanced, and the long, fruity and spicy finish leaves an impression of elegance and harmony.

Food Pairings: Perfect with red meat dishes, such as beef steak or lamb; it also pairs well with game, stews, and grilled dishes.Aged cheeses with a rich, intense flavor also make an excellent accompaniment.