Iconoclast (2022)

About this wine

This wine offers aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and a touch of cocoa. On the palate, flavors of dark fruit are complemented by hints of vanilla and coffee, leading to a smooth, long finish. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot showcases the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District, known for producing wines with both power and elegance. Aged for 20 months in French oak, this wine has a lush texture and well-integrated tannins. The Stags Leap District gained international recognition when a wine from this area won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, putting Napa Valley on the global wine map.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot are key grape varieties in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, each contributing unique characteristics to wines like the 2020 Terlato Vineyards Iconoclast. Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in the district's volcanic and loamy soils, producing wines with intense fruit flavors and velvety tannins. Merlot, adaptable to various terrains, ripens earlier and adds lush, ripe flavors with a smooth profile. Petit Verdot, traditionally a blending grape, requires significant heat to ripen fully, which the region's consistent warmth provides, adding depth and color to the blend. The Stags Leap District's unique terroir, characterized by its volcanic gravel loams and rocky hillsides, combined with a climate of warm days and cool nights, allows these varietals to develop complexity and balance, resulting in wines that are both robust and elegant.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The Iconoclast Terlato Vineyards 2020 Stags Leap District wine is crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, showcasing the harmonious combination of these classic Bordeaux varietals.
• 🏞️ The Stags Leap District AVA, where this wine originates, is renowned for its unique terroir that imparts a distinctive 'iron fist in a velvet glove' character to its wines, combining power with elegance.
• 🔥 The 2020 vintage in Napa Valley faced challenges due to wildfires, yet many producers, including Terlato Vineyards, managed to produce exceptional wines that reflect the resilience and dedication of the region's winemakers.
• 🏰 Terlato Vineyards, the producer of this wine, is part of the Terlato Wine Group, a family-owned company with a rich history in the wine industry, known for its commitment to quality and innovation.
• 🏆 The Stags Leap District gained international acclaim when a wine from this region won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that put Napa Valley on the global wine map.

Palate profile

Producer

Terlato Vineyards, established in 2005, is the family wine brand of Terlato Wines, a company with roots dating back to the 1950s when Anthony Terlato began working at his father's wine and spirits store in Chicago. The Terlato family has been instrumental in shaping the American wine industry, notably introducing Pinot Grigio to the U.S. market in 1979, earning Anthony Terlato the title "Father of Pinot Grigio." Over the decades, the family expanded their portfolio by acquiring esteemed wineries such as Rutherford Hill in 1996, Chimney Rock in 2000, and Sanford Winery in 2002. Terlato Vineyards produces wines from various California regions, including Napa Valley and Russian River Valley, as well as Italian appellations like Colli Orientali del Friuli.