Dolce Store

The 2014 Dolce offers lifted tropical fruit notes. Characteristics of Dolce, the fruit-driven flavors follow the promise of the aromatics and an enticing blend of exotic notes are carried long into the finish. Together with notes of ripe, fresh loquat, orange, and apricot, the richness of this vintage is expressed with a vanilla crème brûlée character reminiscent of bakery smells, and flavors of caramelized custard. The wine’s texture is silky with mouth-filling volume and a long finish carrying the fruitful flavors; altogether this vintage is a delight to the senses.

Dolce’s 20-acre vineyards are located in Coombsville, east of the city of Napa, and are situated at the base of the Vaca Mountains, which define the eastern border of the valley. The volcanic soil is loose and well drained, and the west-facing vineyard is protected from the prevailing winds so that the damp, morning fog of autumn—a very important factor in the development of Botrytis cinerea—hangs longer amongst the vines, often until midday. A combination of high humidity followed by drying conditions encourages, but does not guarantee, the growth of Botrytis. As the mold develops, its coverage is seemingly random with individual berries succumbing to Botrytis at different rates, if at all.