2022 Collateral "Paras Vineyard" Grenache, Mt. Veeder Napa Valley, California, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

Sourced from Paras Vineyard on Mt. Veeder, this Grenache comes from one of Napa Valley's most distinctive mountain appellations. Situated along the Mayacamas Mountains on the western side of the valley, the vineyard occupies a south-facing hillside surrounded by oak savannah. Its sandy, decomposed shale soils, hillside exposure, and mountain climate provide an exceptional setting for Grenache, encouraging concentrated fruit development while preserving the natural acidity and aromatic freshness that define the variety. The vineyard's rugged terrain and well-drained soils contribute to a wine of impressive depth, structure, and elegance.

The 2022 vintage offers an expressive combination of ripe red berries, crushed raspberry, red plum, and delicate floral notes, complemented by subtle suggestions of white pepper, dried Mediterranean herbs, and warm spice. The palate is generous yet beautifully balanced, with supple tannins, vibrant acidity, and a persistent finish that reveals layers of red fruit and savory complexity. Grenache is traditionally associated with the southern Rhône Valley and Spain, where it is prized for its aromatic intensity, generous texture, and ability to reflect the character of its growing site. At Paras Vineyard, these qualities take on a distinctly Californian expression, combining mountain-grown freshness with the richness and concentration of Napa Valley fruit.

Collateral's winemaking philosophy emphasizes the individuality of each vineyard and vintage, allowing the character of the fruit to guide decisions throughout fermentation and maturation. Winemaker Mike Hirby favors thoughtful, site-specific techniques that preserve aromatic purity, textural elegance, and a natural sense of balance. This Grenache is particularly well suited to roasted lamb with rosemary, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, grilled duck breast, and mushroom risotto. Its combination of bright fruit, delicate spice, and savory undertones also makes it an excellent companion to Mediterranean-inspired dishes featuring roasted vegetables, thyme, and olive oil.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Collateral Wines is a family-owned Napa Valley wine project rooted in the legacy of D. R. Stephens Estate, founded by Don Stephens in 1996. The original estate established its reputation through small-production wines that emphasized the distinctive character of Napa Valley's exceptional vineyard sites. Don's son, Justin Stephens, subsequently expanded the family's winemaking vision, developing Collateral as a platform for exploring outstanding vineyards and grape varieties throughout Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

The Collateral name originated in 2014, when Justin created a special bottling to honor his longstanding collaboration with his father. Initially reserved for exceptional barrel selections from the family's Moose Valley Vineyard, the project eventually evolved into a broader collection of vineyard-designated wines. Following Don's passing in 2020, Collateral entered a new chapter, bringing together the expertise of the D. R. Stephens Estate and HUNNICUTT teams while continuing the family's commitment to producing distinctive, site-driven wines.

Under the direction of Justin Stephens and winemaker Mike Hirby, Collateral embraces a philosophy centered on vineyard individuality, precision, and thoughtful winemaking. Rather than adhering to a uniform house style, the team works with carefully selected vineyard partners, seeking exceptional combinations of grape variety, soil, climate, and exposure. Their approach emphasizes meticulous fruit selection, careful fermentation, and measured oak maturation, with winemaking decisions tailored to the character of each site and growing season. The goal is to produce wines that express their origins with clarity, aromatic freshness, and textural elegance while possessing the structure and complexity to develop gracefully over time.

Collateral's portfolio reflects both the family's Napa Valley heritage and its willingness to explore varieties beyond the region's traditional Cabernet Sauvignon focus. From mountain-grown Grenache to vineyard-designated Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wines celebrate the diversity of California's exceptional growing regions. Each bottling represents the winery's commitment to authenticity, balance, and the distinctive character of its vineyard origins.