Lanthanide is Diane Wu (UC Davis Enology school, with experience at wineries in Meursault and the Pfalz) and Philippe Venghiattis (viticulturist). As they say: “inspired by the balance and longevity of 1970’s North Coast wines, we seek to bring a contemporary expression of the classic Napa style: structured wines able to improve for decades.” Their cabernet sauvignon comes from the historic Pritchard Hill at 1500 feet in the Vaca Mountains, on the east side of Napa Valley. The wine is aged for 28 months in French barrels, 50% of which are new. 2018 is the inaugural vintage.
This is sophisticated, well-knit, mountain-grown cabernet with power and structure, yet also restraint. Decant it for a couple of hours and drink it in Bordeaux stems with a grass-fed steak from our neighbors at Marin Sun Farms or a rich mushroom risotto. As Diane and Philippe correctly note, the wine will age for several decades, if you have the patience.
