Dolce’s style goals are foremost to express the fruitfulness of the vintage nuanced with spice, for the aromas, flavors and finish to be lifted, reminiscent of one another, and enduring, and for the finishing impressions to compel a second sip. The 2016 vintage exemplifies all those traits beginning with aromas of apricot, pear, honeysuckle, all-spice, and vanilla. Similar fruitful flavors follow the oily and lively entry but this vintage has flavors also suggestive of a treat along the lines of crème brûlée and bread pudding. The texture is particularly watering on entry carries the flavors into its long, juicy and satisfying finish!

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.