Over 30 years ago, Newton broke new ground as it became the first estate to proudly note “unfiltered” on its label. Founded on Spring Mountain, the mountain fruit produced a wine so distinct and nuanced, Peter Newton knew he was working with terroir unlike anything else in Napa Valley. This one word—a winemaking technique practiced in Burgundy but little-seen in the U.S. at the time—proclaimed the winery’s commitment to producing terroir-focused, complex wines.
The flagship Puzzle, first released in 1994, showcases a bigger vision of mountain wine. With a backbone of fruit from Spring Mountain, the Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec is complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon from Mount Veeder and Yountville. These various pieces—parcels, varieties, and winemaking techniques—lock together and complete the picture.
For the new 2018 vintage release, we tapped four ‘Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemakers’ to experience the wine for themselves. Each brings their area of expertise—and their unique palate—to the wine. Through these different lenses, we see how The Puzzle is an iconic wine for any wine lover.
Click on any of the profiles below for their take on The Puzzle
Posted by Kristy Wenz
Posted by Chevonne Ball
Posted by Jon McDaniel
Posted by Lia Jones
