Kuleto Estate’s award-winning wine begins with a Napa Valley mountain top above Lake Hennessey. Planting grapes on elevated areas improves drainage, sun exposure, soil and protection against frost for a superior harvest. Kuleto’s high quality also stems from the bountiful variety of grapes it uses and its winemaker’s masterful techniques.
This month, Kuleto slashes prices for three 2016 wines — usually sold at $36.99 — from its estate that uses 82 vineyard blocks, three soil types and a range of elevations to create an ideal growing environment. From this rich and diverse palate of fruit, Kuleto produces a small portfolio of standout wines you can find in local stores.
Frog Prince
The label references the calls of croaking frogs that are heard from Kuleto’s cabernet site. This blend is Bordeaux style meshed with a few other varieties for a multilayered taste. It’s full-flavored and supple with toasty oak and intense fruitiness from plum and blackberry notes.
India Ink
The name is inspired by the wine’s dark, murky color and flavors. India Ink is a powerful Rhone-style blend. It exudes aromas of fresh blue and black fruit with hints of earth and smoke, which carry onto the palate. Additional notes of spice, dark chocolate and toasted oak complement the smooth texture.
Native Son
Hundreds of years ago, Native American tribes moved throughout what is now the Kuleto property — this wine pays tribute to those nomads. The composition and profile of Native Son is a collision of old and new world styles in this Cal-Italia blend. This enticing wine melds zinfandel, malbec and tempranillo for a fruit forward, spicy taste.
These blends can be purchased at Heinen’s, Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market or Buehler’s Fresh Foods.
