"Aurora Vineyard is nestled in a small valley midway up Diamond Mountain on a large knoll located at an elevation of 1,200 feet. The knoll projects off the mountainside, giving the vineyard full Southern exposure and open light from the East and West and protection from Napa Valley's summer fog. Six acres of the vineyard are planted in the knoll's rich, volcanic soils that are riddled with basalt cobble in a loamy red clay. The remaining six acres are planted in a deep gravely mix of white volcanic ash and chips of decomposed Rhyolite that were washed down from the steep, rocky crags of Diamond Mountain above.
Checkerboard Aurora Vineyard continues to be the pillar of our mountainside and the 2021 vintage is characteristically elegant with a full palate packed with juicy red and black fruits. Sweet barrel nuances are front-and-center on the nose, then meld into the palate to offer its own dimension. So typically floral, Checkerboard Aurora Vineyard offers a hint of rose petals intermixed with spice and tobacco leaf. With great structure, balance, and length, the vintage benefits from decanting in its youth."