2021 Ovid 'Hexameter' Proprietary Red Blend Napa Valley

Winemaker Notes: The first of our wines to graduate from the Experiment program to a flagship wine, Hexameter began with the simple inquiry: How compelling can a Cabernet Franc-focused wine from our site be? That early Experiment from 2005 produced an intriguing Franc-centric wine, and the next four years were used to refine the wine, particularly honing in on the best blocks within the vineyard.

Hexameter is the poetic meter used by Ovid in his Metamorphoses and, for that matter, in much Greek and Roman epic poetry. The concept of meter intrigues us, as meter contains, animates and organizes the information contained by a poem’s words. Transposed to wine, the vineyard is the impulse behind a poem, and the wine its meter and language. As such, the wine Hexameter reveals a certain rhythm and structure in our vineyard that articulates its clear and profound affinity for Cabernet Franc.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

Decanter - "This is the first vintage of Ovid wines without cold soaking or extended macerations. Winemaker Austin Peterson emphasises their transition to a hands-off winemaking approach, following extensive experimentation and vineyard work. Hand-sorted clusters pass through an optical sorter introduced in 2015 and undergo gravity flow into tanks. Post-fermentation, the free-run juice is bled into stainless steel before barrel ageing with minimal racking and malolactic fermentation. From January, Peterson begins crafting the final blend to harmonise with oak. After 20 months in 37% new French oak, this year's blend consists of 50% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot (subject to variation annually). Peterson notes that drier winters and springs tend to favour Cabernet Franc more. e wine is compact and tightly wound, showcasing precise black-toned fruits, liquorice, dried sage, bay laurel, cast iron, and cedarwood. It is full-bodied and polished, with firm, taut, fine-grained tannins. Delicate red berry fruit intertwines with cedar and walnut husk, supported by a firm spine of acidity that maintains freshness."

James Suckling - "Effusive blueberry and rose petal aromas, then juicy, appetizing black and red berries in this multilayered blend based on cabernet franc. Blueberry syrup meets light wood char, star anise and grilled herbs, but the fruit dominates. e tannins are so racy. Best after 2028.”"


Vinous - "The 2021 Hexameter turned out beautifully. Rich, ample and super-expressive, the 2021 offers up scents of mocha, dried cherry, leather, gravel and dried herbs. Cabernet Franc plays the leading role in this potent, structured red. Bright acids liven up the finish beautifully. All this needs is time."


Jeb Dunnuck - "…the 2021 Hexameter is based on 50% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Merlot and Petit Verdot, raised 20 months in 50% new French oak. is deep ruby/purple-hued beauty has a stunning bouquet of black raspberries, wild strawberries, spring flowers, and dark chocolate. It's full-bodied on the palate, has an incredibly pure, seamless mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a great finish."