Impetuous

By Checkerboard
Red Blend
Napa Valley 2021

Checkerboard’s 2021 Impetuous is a wine of striking intensity, softened by a deep, graceful elegance—a tribute to the captivating landscape of Diamond Mountain. Martha McClellan, whose skill has shaped renowned estates like Harlan and Sloan, guides this wine with precision and genuine passion, crafting a creation that resonates with both clarity and heart.

The Checkerboard estate vineyards sit high above the valley floor, their roots woven into ancient volcanic soils. McClellan’s close bond with Diamond Mountain’s rugged terrain—from its basalt-strewn slopes to its towering volcanic peaks—enables her to capture the land’s complexity in a vintage that reflects the spirit of this remarkable place.

The winemaking process unfolds like a careful dance, deliberately enhancing the natural beauty drawn from the region’s unique terroir. The result stirs an emotional connection that lingers well beyond the final sip. Boldly expressive, Impetuous reveals itself like a narrative, growing richer, more intricate, and more memorable with each encounter.

Impetuous
By Checkerboard
Red Blend
Napa Valley 2021

Your Price: $125

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“The 2021 Checkerboard Impetuous Red Blend offers a brooding, rich nose of powerful blue and black fruits—blackberry and blueberry stand out—layered with notes of French lavender, iron, and a touch of vanilla from well-integrated oak. The palate is opulent yet focused, with concentrated blackberries, black cherry, and red currants driving a deep, penetrating core. Balanced acidity keeps it lively, while velvety tannins provide structure. The finish is long and seamless, with a luscious quality that lingers. A polished, high-quality wine, it’s delicious now, but built for 10-12 years of development.”

96 Points