Wines Napa Valley Père Ami - 2018

Père Ami 2018 from Napa Valley AVA offers a striking example of the power and finesse that Californian reds can achieve. Predominantly crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, often blended with Merlot or Petit Verdot, the 2018 vintage benefited from a long and even growing season, resulting in an expressive, ripe wine. In the glass, it reveals a deep garnet hue with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry compote, vanilla, cedar, and hints of cocoa, a testament to both the fruit quality and careful oak maturation. On the palate, you can expect a harmonious balance between ripe, plush fruit, fine-grained tannins, well-integrated acidity, and a long, lingering finish that showcases black fruit, spice, and a touch of earthiness.

Napa Valley, located north of San Francisco, is one of the most esteemed wine regions in the New World. The area gained global attention in the 1970s and continues to be renowned for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons. The diverse terroirs—ranging from gravelly benchlands to volcanic hillsides—combined with a Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool nights, allow for slow, optimal ripening of grapes. This combination produces wines of great structure and depth, with an ability to age gracefully.

This robust and elegant red finds natural partners in equally flavourful dishes. Classic pairings from the region include grilled ribeye steak, braised short ribs, or lamb chops with rosemary. The supple tannins and generous fruit also complement mushroom risotto, duck breast with cherry sauce, or aged cheeses like cheddar. For a Californian touch, try it with barbecued tri-tip or a rich burger with caramelised onions.

To fully appreciate the expressive aromas and velvety structure of Père Ami 2018, serve it at 16-18°C after decanting for about an hour. This allows the wine to open up and reveal its full bouquet. This vintage is enjoyable now but will reward a few more years of cellaring, developing complexity and further refinement over time.