2005 Newton The Puzzle Red

Newton Vineyard is in the Spring Mountain region of Napa Valley. It was founded in 1978 by Peter Newton, who had previously been one of the founders of Sterling Vineyards. Today it is still operated by the Newton family though the luxury conglomerate LVMH bought the winery in 2001. The nearly 200-acre estate produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. It is best known, however, for its unfiltered Chardonnay.

Spring Mountain AVA is above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains. There is no actual Spring Mountain, but the name has traditionally been used for the area, which includes many streams and springs. Spring Mountain was awarded appellation status in 1993 and it includes about 1,000 vineyard acres. Vineyard elevations are high, from 400 to 2,600 feet above sea level. Because of the altitude of most vineyards, which are above the fog line, mornings become warm earlier than vineyards on the valley floor, though the afternoons are cooled by maritime winds. The result is an exceptionally long growing season. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most frequently planted grape by acreage, followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.