04/21/2026
As Jeff approached the winery he could see the dynamite locker cracked ajar and one of the engineers peering inside. "I’ll be honest, it was pretty cool cocktail chatter to claim you possessed a dynamite locker and about 3,000 pounds of TNT. Even more thrilling was to actually detonate it in 50 to 100 lb increments over 46 blast days. A simple hit of the plunger, and a cup of coffee? Trust me, you get a lot done on those days!” This was Jeff’s life for the year we built the cave system at the winery. On this particular day, toward the end of the dig, the engineer was taking inventory. It turned out there was a half box of dynamite left, and according to the engineer, the job was “finished.” Jeff inquired what might happen to the balance of his dynamite? The engineer politely replied that we would be getting a credit for the idle sticks. Of course, we all know that age old axiom; “a job is never done if there is leftover dynamite.” He looked at Jeff with a puzzled expression. “Graham, I don’t want a credit; by definition we’re not done, let’s freestyle with it,” Jeff replied. Graham’s puzzled expression quickly changed to concern as he responded, “Jeff, free styling with dynamite is not a thing!” Well, maybe it wasn’t, but it is now.” The net result of a half box of dynamite, and the free association to not overthink how it was applied, created one of the most magical tasting salons in Napa Valley. If you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing it, we encourage you to schedule a visit as your Summer/Fall travel plans come into focus.
If you can’t make the trek to visit this year, you can always appreciate us from afar with the Spring releases of the 2024 Blueline Estate Merlot, Malbec and the 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, closing tomorrow.
More importantly, we just received our Napa County approval for cave expansion, and are looking forward to the future date when the dynamite locker returns. Freestyle anyone…?
