J. MCCLELLAND - Merlot 2012 92 Points

Introducing the Wines of J. McClelland Named for John McClelland, one of California’s visionary wine pioneers, this initial release includes very limited quantities of 2012 Napa Valley Charbono. All four wines were personally selected by John along with winemakers Paul Scotto, Mitch Consentino and Mark Smith and were released April 1, 2015. Meet the Wine Makers: Mitch Cosentino Mitch Cosentino joined the Steele Canyon team in mid 2014. In addition to his Napa Valley winemaking experience, Mitch brought long standing relationships with some of the areas foremost vineyard sources that enhanced the winery’s varietal and Meritage wines. He was a pioneer in the development of Meritage wines in the 1980’s, including California’s first Meritage bottling. In addition, his Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has been recognized as the “Best Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year” and in 2003 he was recognized as the Andre Tchelistcheff Winemaker of the Year. “I want my wines to showcase the balance, complexity and power of Napa Valley. For me, this means Cabernet Sauvignon that ages well but is enjoyable upon release. We want Chardonnay to be bright, well balanced, and influenced but not dominated by subtle French oak. We usually avoid malolactic fermentation to retain natural acidity and enhance the ability to age gracefully.” === Paul Scotto 5th generation winemaker Paul Scotto is a U.C. Davis Viticulture and Management graduate with a broad range of wine experience. After selling vineyard and construction equipment in the U.S. and Asia, Paul joined his family’s wine business and built the Sera Fina winery and two tasting rooms in Amador County, where he makes small lots of award winning wines from the Sierra Foothill region. Since 2009, he has also managed his family’s production at their Lodi winery and sourced grapes across California’s finest growing regions. In 2013, this vineyard sourcing led to a unique opportunity in the rolling hills in eastern Napa Valley – Steele Canyon Cellars, where Paul leads an accomplished team of winemakers in the production of small lots of Napa Valley wines. Paul specializes in Charbono, Pinot Noir and Semillon. === Mark Smith “I consider myself very fortunate to work in an inspirational setting like Napa Valley. The varied soils, topography and moderate climate are ideal for the production of world-class wine grapes, so our challenge is to live up to these standards and create outstanding wines. I want to help manage the winemaking process in an honest, non-manipulative manner. My goal is to make elegant, well balanced, food friendly wines that display finesse and character and are true to their varietal and place.”