By — May 14, 2025
From Deep Roots to Bold Expression
2022 Ghost Block Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: From Deep Roots to Bold Expression
When it comes to crafting wines that embody elegance, structure, and a profound sense of place, Kristi Koford, Director of Winemaking at Napa Wine Company, brings a masterful touch. As the winemaker behind Ghost Block Estate, Kristi infuses each vintage with experience, intuition, and precision—qualities that shine in the newly released 2022 Ghost Block Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
This wine is a vivid reflection of both Kristi’s artistry and the land from which it’s born. In the glass, it’s striking—deep crimson with full-bodied viscosity—a visual cue for the bold flavors to follow. On the nose, rich aromas of blackberry, black currant, and plum take center stage, lifted by notes of blueberry, mocha powder, and hints of baking spice and brown sugar. It’s layered and expressive, the kind of bouquet that invites you to linger.
On the palate, the wine is powerful yet polished. Silky tannins and balanced acidity support waves of dark and red fruits, intertwined with cocoa, violets, and a whisper of allspice. A 24-month rest in French oak barrels imparts a seamless richness, giving the wine a long, elegant finish that lingers long after the last sip.
A Sense of Place: The Vineyard Behind the Wine
At the heart of this wine is fruit from our organically farmed Rock Cairn Vineyard in Oakville. Planted in gravelly loam soils with prime western exposure, this site consistently yields Cabernet Sauvignon of exceptional character. The 2022 growing season, marked by warmth and an early harvest following a nine-day heat wave, brought concentration and depth to the fruit, resulting in a wine that is expressive, structured, and complex.
The vineyard is composed of seven blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, ranging from 4 to 39 years old, allowing Kristi to pull from a wide range of maturity and nuance in crafting the final blend. A small addition of Malbec and Petit Verdot—sourced from the neighboring Pelissa Vineyard—adds color, spice, and finesse, rounding out the wine’s profile with grace.
