Steve Rogstad, Vice President, Winemaking, has spent most of his professional life making wine in the Los Carneros appellation. Since 2002, Steve has guided the winemaking at Cuvaison, crafting wines that have earned accolades for their seamless balance, vineyard-inspired depth and complexity. We spent some time with Steve during a visit to Chicago earlier this year. His depth of knowledge and passion for wine making was apparent during the entire time we were together. Steve has refined a vineyard-driven approach to winemaking that focuses on the site’s remarkable diversity. It shows in the consistency of the wines.

The 2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot is made from 100% Merlot from Napa Valley, Los Carneros. The wine spent 22 months in French Oak and only 16 barrels were produced. In the glass, the deep color is almost opaque. Aromas of cassis, boysenberry, blackberry, baking spices, a hint of saddle leather, cedar, and earth. The palate has a creamy and juicy mouth-feel with silky tannins and a beautiful finish. Lush and delicious in every way!

By Perry Miroballi