Winemaker, Bill Nancarrow a native of Hawkes Bay, New Zealand traveled to the Napa Valley in 2001 to work at Merlot house, Duckhorn Vineyards.  In 2003 he assumed the role of Winemaker for their brand Paraduxx while continuing his Assistant Winemaking duties at Duckhorn.  In 2007 he was promoted to Executive Winemaker of Duckhorn Wine Company’s Napa Valley properties – a post which he held until 2013. Bill has led the helm of the winemaking team at Goosecross since joining the estate winery in 2013. After tasting several Goosecross wines from different vintages, Bill has created a style in the wines at Goosecross that are lush and elegant, not an easy task when using the big, bold varieties that have a tendency towards being very tannic and not approachable in their youth.

Holly’s Block is named after vintner-co-owner Christi Coors Ficeli's grandmother. Located in the Sate Lane Vineyard, which sits within arm's reach of the winery and tasting room, the quarter acre of vines is given special attention by the entire staff, with harvest taking as many passes as necessary to pick each vine at its optimal ripeness. The three best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon from Block D, “Holly’s Block, were selected to blend in this wonderfully offering. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the color in the glass is deep blackberry with dark garnet edges. The aromas are complex, exuding dark brooding fruit, black plum, cassis, melted dark chocolate, black tea, a hint of anise, leather and sandalwood. The flavors take this Cabernet Sauvignon up a notch to a whole other level. The palate is layered with ripe fruit of baked cherry, blackberry, and melted dark chocolate framed in soft, creamy refined tannins. The fresh acidity woven through the palate keeps the wine balanced and lifts it to a long finish that is precise, persistent and lasts for minutes. The Goosecross State Lane Holly’s Block is a wonderful representation of the 2021 vintage for this Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This is the 8th vintage for Bill Nancarrow in crafting this wine ,which should age for 15+ years in the bottle, where it should gain more balance and complexity.

By Perry Miroballi