TEXTBOOK was founded in 2004 by industry veterans Jonathan and Susan Pey and produces wines from coveted Napa Valley and Oakville vineyard sites. The Peys’ European background led to TEXTBOOK’s “bold-yet-balanced” winemaking style which has made the winery an industry-leading producer of textbook-style Napa Valley wines — balanced, lower yields, earlier picking, and judicious use of new French oak.
TEXTBOOK specializes in producing small lots of critically acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Vintage 2019 started with ample rain that supplied good soil moisture through the summer months. Cooler temperatures in September and October allowed for additional "hang-time" and explosive flavor development, yielding great color, balance, structure, and big, soft tannins. Will sample three 2019 vintages:
2019 Sauvignon Blanc — Showcases a classic Napa Valley style: bold and textured, albeit with a bit more brightness, balanced acidity and alcohol and “lift”. Delicious aromatics with honeysuckle, Asian pear, and wild thyme accents to the crisp, mouthwatering laser beam of Meyer lemon and wet hay. Smoothly integrated and soft on the palate, light and brimming in fruity peach and apricot. It has a touch of grass and dried herb on the finish that contrast against the fruit. Finishes bright, balanced and crisp. 100% Sauvignon Blanc; 13.6% alcohol. Rating: 90, Wine Enthusiast. $22.99/$8
2019 Merlot — The grapes come from two blocks located within the famed Napa Valley AVA. Each site brings unique attributes (both gravelly soils and loamy soils) that add complexity. The Oak Knoll lot brings backbone, sweet red fruit and tannins. The Yountville district showcases color and subtle, high-quality tannins. Classic Bordelaise winemaking employing hand harvesting, small French Oak cooperage, and gentle egg-white fining provide a richly textured and balanced result. Intense aromas of ripe plum, mocha, and allspice marry with a generous mid-palate of rich flavors of black stone fruits and a balanced finish with full, extracted, almost sweet tannins. Aged 15 months in 100% French oak, 38% New oak; 13.6% alcohol. Composition: 98% Merlot, 2% Malbec. Rating: 90, Wine Enthusiast (2018). $26.99/$9
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon — A diverse array of sites in Napa Valley deliver structure, balance and purity to this Cab. Restrained viticultural and winemaking practices lead to varietal purity and a balanced flavor footprint. Classic Bordelaise winemaking provides a balanced and wonderfully smooth mouthfeel. Dark fruits, plums, black currants, framed by big supple tannins, layered and sumptuous in the mouth. Ample oak marries the finishing textures. Aged 18 months in 90% French oak , 35% New oak, and 10% American oak; 13.3% alcohol. Composition: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2.5% Petite Verdot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc. Rating: 90, Wine Spectator (2018). $33.99/$11
As always, feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a trash can at the back entrance). St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese is open inside the store for your cheese needs and are bringing in some amazing new cheeses every week!