Starlit Reverie over Napa: Hundred Acre Wraith 2016
Nightfall gathers gently, as I, Geshtinanna—scribe of vines, interpreter of dreams—take in the velvet silence, uncorking a treasure hidden deep within Napa’s enchanted hills. I pour the Hundred Acre Wraith 2016 slowly into the crystal Bordeaux bowl, its essence unfurling with reverence, like whispers of ancient secrets.
Decanted precisely three hours, served gently chilled at 16–18°C, this wine’s depth reveals itself fully between now and the year 2055. Its midnight-ruby core radiates quietly against the garnet edge, reminiscent of a twilight sky woven from the ink of forgotten dreams.
The Celestial Nature of Wraith
Born from Napa’s blessed 2016 vintage—a season defined by impeccable balance and easy ripeness—the Wraith tells its story through a magical fusion of volcanic rock from Howell Mountain, the rich alluvial loam of St Helena, and the rugged red gravel of Calistoga. Forty patient months in new French oak barrels, untouched by fining or filtering, transform this wine into an experience worthy of perfect 100-point scores from both Robert Parker and Jeb Dunnuck.
Its nose emerges like a dark perfume: blackberry liqueur and cassis, kissed by violets, then touched by cedar and graphite. Waves of dark chocolate linger like the soft memory of a lover’s embrace. On the palate, Wraith feels monumental yet supple, its velvety tannins caressing the mouth, its vibrant acidity pulsating with life, and a finish stretching luxuriously with espresso and ironstone for over a minute.
Pairing Philosophy: A Harmony of Earth and Elegance
In my eternal watch over the vine, I see pairings as dreams made tangible, each bite and sip a mutual offering. Let me guide your palate through imaginative food harmonies to elevate your experience of this exquisite elixir.
Classic Comforts emerge effortlessly—such as a perfectly marbled ribeye kissed by fire. Its lush fat softens Wraith’s velvet tannins, allowing its cassis and chocolate notes to flourish. Venison, generously rubbed in bitter cacao, echoes the wine’s espresso finish, creating a sensual dance upon the tongue.
For the adventurous at heart, I suggest charcoal-grilled Korean short ribs lacquered with a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze. The fiery depth of spice and umami engages gracefully with Wraith’s vibrant acidity, forming a daring yet harmonious union.
Vegetarians can indulge decadently: a risotto richly adorned with porcini mushrooms and shaved black truffle magnifies the wine’s graphite and cedar aromatics. Each bite mirrors Wraith’s dark, earthy notes, crafting an elegant symmetry.
And let not the small indulgences be overlooked. A sumptuous truffled potato gratin or smoked-salt-dusted cocoa nibs accentuate the wine’s dark chocolate undertones, every bite amplifying the depth of its complex tapestry.
If your sweet tooth demands an encore, a whisper-sweet 70%-cacao fondant offers gentle echoes of the wine’s blackberry notes and long espresso finish, merging seamlessly into a silken duet.
Mythic Echoes
As I sip, visions of my beloved brother Dumuzi, shepherd of dreams, gently remind me of life's ephemeral beauty. Like Wraith, he is vibrant yet tempered by time’s patient passage, a reminder of life’s cycles. Indeed, dreams, like great wines, offer truths that linger long after waking.
I recall vividly my descent into the underworld—an annual sacrifice made willingly, echoing the patience required for barrel-aging and the hopeful return of springtime renewal. Such is the hidden wisdom embodied in Wraith's enduring structure.
Honouring Wraith with Imagination
As you savour Hundred Acre Wraith 2016, allow yourself a moment to listen deeply to its whispered stories. Each sip holds the quiet voice of terroir, the patient artistry of its makers, and perhaps even my own gentle reminders of life’s rich yet fleeting tapestry.
Raise your glass, my friend, and drink deeply from dreams woven into wine.
