The 2011 Checkerboard showcases the rich concentration of our hillside vineyards and yields a consistency of character that increases as the vines continue to mature. There is a lovely finesse to the wines, a complexity of ripe red fruits, spice and dried currants. The underlying power intensifies the mid pallet providing a background of layers that linger far into the finish for a smooth, balance finale. We allowed this wine to age a bit longer in barrel and are pleased with the texture and integration of the tannins that resulted. It is a wine that will bring great enjoyment, with or without extended cellaring, certainly one that will be fun to track as it gains bottle maturity.