Raymond Vineyards, founded in 1974, is one of the Napa Valley’s pioneers and great estates. Arriving to Napa in 1933, the Raymond family became deeply connected to the valley’s winemaking origins. In 1970, they established a 90-acre estate in Rutherford that now comprises 300 acres in Rutherford, St. Helena, and Jameson Canyon. Five generations of the Raymond family created a Napa icon, with an enduring reputation for elegant wines with a beautiful balance of finesse, power, and complexity. Today, inspired by the vision of Proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset, Raymond is a dynamic destination dedicated to inspiring its guests’ passion for fine wine in an environment of exploration, creativity, and elegant whimsicality, where each in a series of diverse experiences progresses visitors into another world of discovery and exceptional wines. Further, Raymond’s Rutherford and St. Helena estate vineyards are certified organic and Biodynamic, and 100% of the winery’s power comes from renewable solar energy.

Vintage 2020

2020 kicked off with ideal growing conditions. Mild temperatures led to evenly developed clusters and an early budbreak was followed by a warm to hot summer. Low winter rains resulted in smaller berries with concentrated flavors. Harvest started in early August and all things pointed to normal yields and exceptional fruit quality.

Winemaking

Grapes were harvested from vineyards across Napa Valley including those planted in our Rutherford and St. Helena estates as well as valley floor and hillside AVAs. Picked in the early morning hours to maintain freshness between September 11 and October 5, the grapes went through extended maceration. The wine was aged for 19 months in 31% new French oak barrels, including Ermitage, Demptos and Seguin Moreau, before being bottled unfiltered.

Tasting notes

Aromas of blackberry, leather and red fruit leap from the glass. Flavors of cassis, blackberry, dried cherry, and dark ripe plums appear with notes of black licorice and a hint of fresh roasted coee bean on the palate. Supple tannins extend and highlight this full-bodied wine with nuances of caramel on the long finish.