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The 2003 Rocca Family Vineyards Bad Boy Red is a big blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petite Sirah, all from our Estate vineyard in Yountville in the heart of the Napa Valley. The Bad Boy Red is juicy and wild, with all the swagger and bravado of a Syrah coupled with the smooth finesse of a fine Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It boasts a rich, broad entry and big fruit flavors of wild berries and cherries, with a ripe, long finish that will linger in your memory long after this Bad Boy has moseyed down the trail.

We harvested these rocky-soil Cabernet vines at a high level of ripeness, which is certainly evident in the final results. This Cabernet is a lush, dark purple, deep and rich-smelling, with black raspberry and cocoa-vanilla notes dominating the aromas. Hints of cinnamon bark and wild anise add subtle notes of complexity. In the mouth, pretty, sweet, bright focused fruit integrates nicely with the deeper toasty oak flavors. The texture is immediately soft, silky, and polished, with a full and consistent palate impression that finishes with sweet fruit and a sense of grace, elegance, and power.

We harvested these rocky-soil Cabernet vines at the peak level of ripeness, which is clearly evident in the final results. The fresh berry notes dominating the aromas of this complex Cabernet Sauvignon are accentuated by nuances of mocha and baking spices. The flavors of warm raspberries with dark chocolate give way to a mid-palate of spice and vanilla, then a gentle finish of fresh, crisp fruit. The texture is lively, not overbearing, and retains enough natural acidity to perfectly embolden the bright fruit flavors.

The 2002 H. Gray Zinfandel is bright, lively, and yes, a little wild. The flavors are very forward - bramble berry, black plums, exotic spice, a hint of smoky oak and the classic Amador black pepper. This is a high-toned, zest Zinfandel that is medium-bodies, but surprisingly long and intense, thanks to the age of the vines.

This Cabernet is just delicious! It smells and tastes of black cherries and black raspberries, with notes of cocoa, vanilla and toasty oak. Since the fruit was harvested at full ripeness, the fruit-driven flavors linger on the palate without a hint of astringency, lending a voluptuous silky texture to the finish. This Cabernet offers instant gratification. Its harmony of tannins and acidity, along with its generous fruit, should allow the wine to develop nicely in the cellar for several years.

Already recognized as a stellar vintage, 2001 was an ideal growing season in Napa Valley. Dry winter conditions preceded a long growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen at their own pace and provide balanced, concentrated, flavorful fruit. It was the type of growing season during which additional nuances of flavor and concentration developed, making 2001 a truly exceptional vintage.

This 2002 vintage gives way to aromas of deep spice, anise and bright cherry, along with sweet tarragon, sage, pipe tobacco and toasty vanilla. On the palate, entry is very soft, with bright juicy raspberry and anise flavors, and a fruit impression that is very ripe, warm, broad and juicy. This Merlot has a full-bodied finish, soft tannins and lingering fruit flavors.

The wine has an intensely deep purple color, set off by aromas with a core of blackberry and cherry and nuances of earthy spice. The mouth feel is at once soft and powerful, with silky tannins and bright fruit. Deep wild plum, blackberry bramble and earthy spice notes surround a heart of wild, ripe fruit in this intensely focused Syrah. Rich, ripe fruit is clear in the palate, but the best is yet to come as the impression of juicy wild plums adds length and sweetness to the finish.

The 2002 Syrah shows a wonderful array of aromas, with ripe red and black fruit balanced by hints of fresh herbs and white pepper. On the palate, the wine is lush and complex, displaying an exceptional balance of fruit and earth. Concentrated flavors of baked cherries and blackberries intermingle with classic Syrah flavors of savory spice and roasted meat. Its firm acidity, the result of our vineyard’s location, adds brightness and makes this Syrah an ideal pairing with meats and chesses.