One of the outstanding estates in the Napa Valley, Signorello has a storied past and is making some exceedingly good wines right now. Back in 1977 Ray Signorello purchased 100 acres of land prime for Cabernet Sauvignon with his son, Ray Jr. Their first vintage was 1985 and they have overcome tragedy with the winery being burned down during the California wildfires of 2017. The fires consumed winery production facilities, offices, hospitality space and even Ray Jr’s home. There is now a proposed site on the western hillside of the Silverado Trail which is very exciting.
Since that tragic event the wines have been made at a custom facility and I was massively impressed with what I tasted from the 2018 vintage. Winemaker Priyanka French assumed the role in spring 2019 and has done amazing work with her team. The 2018 Signorello ‘Edge’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) is plush and juicy — truly a delight to drink right now. Even better is the sinfully good 2018 Signorello ‘Padrone’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which has some massive cellaring potential. Learn more about this famed winery at signorelloestate.com and here are my reviews of the beautiful new Signorello wines.
2019 Signorello ‘Hope’s Cuvee’ Chardonnay- The 2019 ‘Hope’s Cuvee’ takes on a gorgeous plush mouthfeel. Layers of brioche and buttercream combine with banana and minerals on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that will cellar well over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2028- 93
2018 Signorello ‘Edge’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Edge’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 9% Petite Sirah blended in. The palate is wonderfully complex with sagebrush, menthol, black currants and tar, loaded with minerals and captivating acidity. This finishes very long. Gorgeous now, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2035- 93
2018 Signorello ‘Padrone’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Padrone’ is a sinfully good effort by Signorello. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (89%), this has small parts Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blended in. Massively inky once in the glass, and needing an hour in the decanter to be fully aroused, this takes on layers of tar, anise, espresso bean and Black Forest cake on the palate, with great acidity. Deep and concentrated, yet showing some good restraint, this is a sinfully good effort that will provide drinking enjoyment for many decades. Drink 2021-2041- 95