Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Napa Valley, Thurlow Cellars stands as a testament to the artistry and dedication of its founders. Since its inception in 2016, it has distinguished itself through a relentless pursuit of excellence, grounded in a profound respect for the land and a commitment to sustainable viticulture. The winery's ethos is embodied in its meticulous sourcing practices, as it meticulously selects vineyards situated at elevations exceeding 1,500 feet. This deliberate choice reflects our understanding of the impact of terroir on wine quality, as these elevated sites benefit from cooler temperatures, optimal sunlight exposure, and well-drained soils, imparting a unique sense of character and complexity to the grapes.
Central to our identity is the unwavering focus on three revered AVAs—Howell Mountain, Diamond Mountain, and Atlas Peak—each renowned for producing grapes of exceptional quality and distinction. By sourcing from these heralded regions, we not only pay homage to the rich viticultural heritage of Napa Valley but also showcase the diverse terroir that defines its winemaking landscape.
Crotalus
Slightly different blend ratios than the previous vintage, the 2022 Crotalus is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah, 6% Merlot - remaining a pure delite with a defining grip. This small batch was blended for great intensity, balanced weight, and vibrant fresh acidity.
THE WINEMAKING
Individual vineyard blocks are de-stemmed separately into small stainless steel fermentation tanks and barrels. Grapes are cold soaked before the must is warmed and the fermentation initiated.
10 barrels were produced this vintage with a continuing strict focus on two coopers, Taransaud & St. Martin.
Variation in soils within this small property require multiple passes during harvest.
The yields are a meager 1.8 tons to the acre, showcasing a rare power.
TASTING NOTES
As its predecessor, this is a full-bodied powerhouse of flavor, in classic style. Rich, ripe fruit, focused tannins, exotic spice with significant drive. A spin in the decanter allows it to open up, but the real magic will happen in 3-5 years.
Boomslang
Our Boomslang Cabernet Sauvignon is made from grapes grown on thirty five year old vines of varying vintages ranging from 2019 to 2022.
Only 12 barrels of this Cabernet Sauvignon were blended.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
A small family-owned vineyard, originally planted in 1986. 50% of the vines are 35 years of age. The age of the vines result in yields that rarely reach 1.8 tons per acre and the soils are unusually rocky and sparse.
TASTING NOTES - 94 Points, Decanter
Boomslang is a multi-vintage blend of 2019, 2021, and 2022 fruit, and is crafted by Kevin Morrisey (formerly of Ehlers Estate). It's an incredibly easy-drinking, smooth Cabernet with just enough fine-grained tannins to layer in a bit of grippy texture, but for the most part, it's a pretty, red-fruited elegant Cabernet with good tension and energy. This makes me wish California wineries would do more non-vintage blends.Alc: 14.3% By Volume (750ML)
Pit Viper
Our Pit Viper Cabernet Sauvignon is made from grapes grown on two iconic properties, an Oakville Estate and Gamble Ranch. These properties bookend the most secretive vineyard in the region, Screaming Eagle.
Only 9 barrels of this Cabernet Sauvignon were produced.
98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot.
The vines are planted to Clone 337. These valley floor vines rest upon clay-loam soils, producing fruit with sensuous tannins and rich, deep flavors. Oakville Estate; hillside plantings, high-density, terraced vines that are west facing. These grapes offer beautiful structural pedigree. and sense of place.
TASTING NOTES
This is a perfect example of what the Napa Valley floor is capable of producing in a great vintage. Polished and perfectly ripe fruit of cassis, blackberry, baked blueberry, red currant, and violet pastille emerge immediately from the glass, As the wine opens, this fresh and vibrant wine hints at nuanced aromatics of leather and forest floor, adding an earthy dimension that will certainly increase over time.Aged 20 months in 70% New French OakAlc: 15% By Volume (750ML)
Copperhead
Our Copperhead Cabernet Sauvignon is made from grapes grown on thirty-five year old vines. This family-owned site is most well known for its iconic quality for over four decades.
Only 10 barrels of this Cabernet Sauvignon were produced.
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Verdot.
A small family-owned vineyard, originally planted in 1986. 50% of the vines are 35 years of age. The age of the vines result in yields that rarely reach 1.8 tons per acre and the soils are unusually rocky and sparse.
TASTING NOTES
This voluptuous, highly polished Cabernet shows remarkable composure having an amazingly smooth palate for such a concentrated wine. The pleasant nose teases with notes of baked bread and sweet pipe tobacco with a dense core of dark berry fruit mixed with an ethereal aroma similar to warm blackberry pie spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.Aged 19 months in 55% New French OakAlc: 14.9% By Volume (750ML)
Winemaker Kevin Morrissey has overseen the production since inception and uses modern cutting edge equipment to produce non-interventionist wines that are naturally fermented and bottled un-fined and un-filtered.
Kingsnake
The Kingsnake Cabernet Sauvignon, The 40 degree slope on these vines is the definition — a rare and extraordinary wine from a superb site.
Vines were planted in 1999 on 110R rootstock which excels in rocky soils on steep slopes.
The red volcanic and tufa soils give this Cabernet a wild, blackened berry character, coupled with touches of warm blue fruit and spice.
Variation in soils within this small block require hand harvesting and management.
The yields are a meager 1.3 tons to the acre, but the fruit possesses a rare power and expression of site.
TASTING NOTES
Notes of fresh cigar tobacco, inky mulberries, stewed blackberries, and violets. Aromas of ripe purple fruit fills the room upon opening. This three barrel selection was selected for its great intensity, remarkable weight, and vibrant fresh acidity.Aged 20 months 65% New Tight Grained French OakAlc: 14.8% By Volume (750ML)
Crotalus
Crotalus is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Syrah, 6% Merlot - pure delite, defining grip, a small batch blended for great intensity, balanced weight, and vibrant fresh acidity.
THE WINEMAKING
Individual vineyard blocks are de-stemmed separately into small stainless steel fermentation tanks and barrels. Grapes are cold soaked before the must is warmed and the fermentation initiated.
8 barrels produced with a strict focus on two coopers Taransaud & St. Martin.
Variation in soils within this small property require multiple passes during harvest.
The yields are a meager 1.8 tons to the acre, showcasing a rare power.
TASTING NOTES
This is a full-bodied powerhouse of flavor, in classic style. Rich, ripe fruit, focused tannins, exotic spice with significant drive. A spin in the decanter allows it to open up, but the real magic will happen in 3-5 years.
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