OVID "Hexameter" Red Blend 2021
(Napa Valley, California) - [DM 98] [JS 98] [VM 97+] [JD 97+] [WA 94]

About the Winery:
OVID Napa Valley is a singular, dynamic and continuous experiment in terroir, nestled at an elevation of 1,500 feet on a secluded mountaintop in the western reaches of Pritchard Hill. Here, iron-rich volcanic soils, abundant sunshine and chaparral flora alchemize to reveal focused, long-lived wines that celebrate their source.

Our four estate wines are sourced from our organically farmed fifteen acre vineyard, planted in one-acre blocks with rootstock and clonal combinations of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Each year, we also release a small selection of Experiment wines – never to be made again – yet foundational to understanding the soul and ethos of our estate wines.

Tasting Notes:
The 2021 OVID Hexameter displays notes of black cherry, plum, lavender, sage, violet candies, orange rind and crushed bay leaf. Broad and captivating on the palate, this wine exudes power and grace with burnished tannins and beautifully layered depth that will continue to reward for many years to come.

Notes from the Winemaker

Following primary fermentation, Hexameter wines are removed from tank and placed into barrel. A few months later, the wines are racked and blended and returned to barrel for a long, slow maturation in French oak for another 14-16 months.

So beguiled is winemaker Austin Peterson with Cabernet Franc, he contends that if OVID hadn’t been squarely established since day one in Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery’s identity today might be centered around Cabernet Franc. He’s been convinced by the way it grows in the vineyards and performs in winery and in bottle. Farming methods and soil preparations are actively being honed to accommodate expansion of the Franc program.

Of course, Hexameter can also contain Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot in small proportions that allow Cabernet Franc to take the lead.

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - Decanter Magazine:

"This is the first vintage of Ovid wines without cold soaking or extended macerations. Winemaker Austin Peterson emphasises their transition to a hands-off winemaking approach, following extensive experimentation and vineyard work. Hand-sorted clusters pass through an optical sorter introduced in 2015 and undergo gravity flow into tanks. Post-fermentation, the free-run juice is bled into stainless steel before barrel ageing with minimal racking and malolactic fermentation. From January, Peterson begins crafting the final blend to harmonise with oak. After 20 months in 37% new French oak, this year's blend consists of 50% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot (subject to variation annually). Peterson notes that drier winters and springs tend to favour Cabernet Franc more. The wine is compact and tightly wound, showcasing precise black-toned fruits, liquorice, dried sage, bay laurel, cast iron, and cedarwood. It is full-bodied and polished, with firm, taut, fine-grained tannins. Delicate red berry fruit intertwines with cedar and walnut husk, supported by a firm spine of acidity that maintains freshness.” – Jonathan Cristaldi (May 2024)

98 Points - James Suckling:

“Effusive blueberry and rose petal aromas, then juicy, appetizing black and red berries in
this multilayered blend based on cabernet franc. Blueberry syrup meets light wood char, star anise and grilled herbs, but the fruit dominates. The tannins are so racy. Best after 2028.” (Jan 2024)

97+ Points - Vinous Media:

“The 2021 Hexameter turned out beautifully. Rich, ample and super-expressive, the
2021 offers up scents of mocha, dried cherry, leather, gravel and dried herbs. Cabernet Franc plays the leading role in this potent, structured red. Bright acids liven up the finish beautifully. All this needs is time.” – Antonio Galloni (Dec 2023)

97+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:

”Bottled in June, the 2021 Hexameter is based on 50% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet
Sauvignon, and the balance Merlot and Petit Verdot, raised 20 months in 50% new French oak. This deep ruby/purple-hued beauty has a stunning bouquet of black raspberries, wild strawberries, spring flowers, and dark chocolate. It's full-bodied on the palate, has an incredibly pure, seamless mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a great finish.” (Dec 2023)

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:

“Released in Spring 2024, the 2021 Hexameter artfully combines red and black fruit on
the nose, with raspberries and blackberries wrapped in a coating of mocha and tobacco.
Medium to full-bodied, it's bright and fresh on the palate, framed by soft tannins and finishing almost zesty and long. This year's assemblage includes 50% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.” - Joe Czerwinski (Oct 2024)