Field Book Rossi Vineyard
Heritage Estate Red Wine
2023

In 2007, we launched our series of Field Book wines, so named to speak to the extensive notes taken as we sought interesting vineyard sites from which to produce compelling wines that express their unique terroirs. Planted in 1905 by an Italian immigrant family, the Rossi Vineyard is one of Napa Valley’s oldest surviving vineyards. With bale clay loam alluvial soils and rugged, head-trained vines originally planted to the Rossi family’s favorite varieties, the vineyard naturally evolved into a true field blend. As individual vines died, they were replanted to other selections, creating a massale selection of heritage varieties known as “mixed blacks.”

For over 30 years, this vineyard was the source of Sean Thackrey’s flagship wine, Orion. In a complete retrospective tasting for Vinous in 2015, Stephen Tanzer wrote: “Of all of the cult wines of California, Sean Thackrey’s singular Orion bottling is right at the top of my personal list, particularly so as I’ve been following this consistently fascinating wine since its maiden voyage in 1986.”

Building upon this history, in 2021 we began farming this singular four-acre parcel along the northwest border of Spottswoode Estate. Somewhat overlooked for a few growing seasons, the vineyard offers the rare opportunity to rehabilitate and preserve a vital piece of St. Helena’s rich winegrowing history.

Each vintage, Spottswoode utilizes organic, biodynamic and regenerative organic farming practices to create a dynamic, complex, and richly hued old-world blend which authentically speaks to the history and resilience of this special piece of land and those who first planted it.

Winemaker Notes: A noteworthy balance of density and freshness defines this youthful and complete wine. Dark, grounded, and intensely structured, it opens with ferrous, savory notes before revealing layers of bright red, blue, and black fruits across the palate. Moments of violet flowers and aromatic lift bring finesse, while fine, chalky tannins provide power and precision. Vibrant acidity cuts through concentration, creating a compelling tension that carries through the long, evolving finish. This wine will happily appreciate a rough decant and will unwind on the palate as it tells its story of time and married varietals.

Vintage Notes: After two challenging drought years and an extremely hot 2022 vintage, 2023 delivered a beautifully balanced growing season. Winter provided abundant, much-needed rainfall and replenished the soil, while a mild spring and summer gave way to an unexpectedly cool post-veraison window. The dry-farmed old vines of Rossi were able to ripen in a manner that allowed them to express their historic character at their very best.