res Niños:

Tres Niños, Red Table Wine, 2005
I first meet Elias Fernandez back in 1993 and I immediately recognized a fine wine making talent.  I also found an individual who could be genuinely obsessed about the quality of his own vineyard in his front yard. In 1998 Elias moved his property to a larger acreage in Calistoga, where he judiciously decided to plant clone 3 Cabernet along with a whimsical and small selection of Petite Sirah. In regards to the viticulture – his vineyard is an example to all of my growers - it is simply a matter of deciding when to pick the grapes.

When the day does finally arrive, Elias cajoles his three sons to participate in the picking (hence the Tres Niños moniker). He always reminds them that they are participating in their college fund, and thus they should not drop any of the fruit on the ground. So, while Elias and I know this is a labor of love, please keep in mind the notion of supporting the college fund for his three sons.

The blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and a smattering of Petite Sirah and Syrah from Elias's vineyard, speaks volumes about the importance of hang time, and a drawn out growing season. This Cabernet has a big, warm nose of black cherry, currant and ripe plums, spiked with Syrah's orange peel spiciness. It’s packed with sweet black cherry flavors that are juicy and round, yet vibrant thanks to the longer growing season. The '05 Tres Ninos has everything the '04 had, but with something more -- firmer acids and a greater aging potential. Drink now for its primary explosiveness or age for 10-15 years.

250 six packs made
$55 btl / $330 case

Robert Parker: 94 pts.

Purchase Now

Renard - Producer of Rhône varieties, 2040 Pine Street, Napa, CA 94559 tel 707.265.9061  fax 707.253.8850, email info@renardsyrah.com