Nuée Ardente

Tasting Notes

Nuée Ardente is a savory, complex expression of the Sierra Foothills. Aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and plum are layered with cracked pepper, clove, lavender, black olive, and dried herbs. The palate is medium to full-bodied, revealing ripe red and dark fruits interwoven with notes of olive tapenade, baking spice, and earthy minerality. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide structure and freshness, leading to a long, spice-laced finish.

Vineyard Notes

Nuée Ardente is sourced entirely from three estate vineyard blocks at Lava Cap Winery in the El Dorado AVA. Each variety was selected from a site uniquely suited to its character. The Syrah comes from our south-facing hillside planted on our distinctive volcanic "Lava Cap" soils, where excellent drainage and the site's warm exposures produce concentrated fruit with savory depth and structure. The Grenache and Mourvèdre originate from separate estate blocks rooted in decomposed granite, where the mountain soils and cool evening temperatures preserve bright acidity, lifted aromatics, and freshness. Together, these three vineyard sites showcase the remarkable diversity of Lava Cap's estate, with each contributing a distinct expression of our high-elevation Sierra Foothills terroir.

Winemaker Notes

Each vineyard block was harvested and fermented separately to preserve its individual expression. Following fermentation, the wines matured for 24 months in neutral French oak, allowing the fruit and vineyard character to remain at the forefront while the tannins softened naturally. The final blend of 50% Syrah, 26% Mourvèdre, and 24% Grenache was assembled after barrel aging to create a Rhône-inspired wine