World's End Rocksteady Proprietary Reserve 2014

The 2014 World’s End Rocksteady, named after a type of music that originated in Jamaica in the mid 1960s, this wine is a unusual style (for the Napa Valley), a proprietary red blend with 49% Merlot, 18% Syrah, 15% Petit Verdot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot was sourced from a Beckstoffer owned Carneros vineyard. It immediately shows bright red fruit on the bouquet including red cherry, along with hints of mushroom, rosemary and sage and as the wine breathes further hints of dry earth and oak develop. Balanced with tannins that are long lasting and slightly chewy but not harsh. Lively acidity. "Impressive cool blue fruits with a very supple plum-flavoured palate, which is wrapped in easygoing fleshy fruits. The flavours bolster through the finish with rich, toasty mocha oak influence. Smooth resolve. Very open-knitted. Drink or hold." James Suckling.com