The Tempest was one of the first wines, and the first Proprietary Blend, we produced. At the time, it seemed almost uncanny that we were able to access three grape varietals at the same time from the same vineyard; it was blind luck or perhaps the proverbial “perfect storm.” The resulting wine reflected a fierce determination to brave the storm as well as a desire to create a fresh and vibrant blend. The Tempest is still made with outstanding grapes, although these days much of it comes from our Houyi and Farella Estates. Historically this blend has been predominantly Merlot, with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in lesser amounts depending on the vintage. In 2024 it leans further into Cabernet Franc than it ever has, capturing the magic of that variety in a warmer year.
The Tempest
The Tempest
A Fresh and Vibrant Blend
Appellation
Napa Valley
Vineyard/Blocks
Farella Estate, Houyi Estate, Bettinelli Upper Range
Dominant Varietal
Merlot or Cabernet Franc
Sense of Place
Merlot coming from cooler-climate Farella Estate in Coombsville, Cabernet Franc from warmer sites on Pritchard Hill
Distinguishing Characteristics
Red fruit; silky tannins; more approachable in its youth
Production Volume
1,000 cases
First Vintage
2002
Photograph from Wabi Inspirations by Axel Vervoordt. Flammarion, 2010.
“The artist invites the spectator to take a journey within the realm of the canvas... Without taking the journey, the spectator has really missed the essential experience of the picture.” -- Mark Rothko . Photograph of Rothko's No. 14, 1960 In Rothko The Color Field Paintings, Chronicle Books, 2017.
A storm rendered using three distinct hues. Label for the 2013 – 2019 vintages of The Tempest by a San Francisco artist was created using acid-free paper dipped in various wines for varying lengths. The original piece is only a little larger than the label itself.
Benjamin Smith After George Romney, The Enchanted Island, Before the Cell of Prospero - Prospero and Miranda (Shakespeare, The Tempest, Act 1, Scene 1). John & Josiah Boydell, London, 1797.
