2013 Checkerboard Vineyards Impetuous

Impetuous is handcrafted at Checkerboard Vineyards, a 300-acre Napa Valley estate that spans an entire, undivided mountainside. The estate’s four small vineyards, planted among the forest and at varying elevations, inspire this unique wine that reflects the mountain and its diverse soils. On harvest mornings, select vines are flagged for hand-harvesting, and grapes are delivered just steps away to the crush pad. Clusters are carefully sorted, with imperfect ones discarded, then gently de-stemmed. A dedicated 10-person team hand-selects individual berries, which are transferred by small pitcher to tank or barrel for fermentation. This intentionally low-tech, labor-intensive approach is a core part of crafting the vibrant, expressive character of Impetuous wines.