Newton Cabernet Sauvignon Skyside Sonoma County 2016

The single square mile of hillside pioneered by the Newtons in 1977 is an impressive site, with expansive vistas of Napa Valley and beyond.

The terraced mountain estate has less than one-fifth of its total 560 acres planted to vines at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,600 feet above sea level. The non-farmed acreage remains in its native forested state providing natural habitat for indigenous wildlife.

Each of the distinctive vineyard blocks is planted to a specific Bordeaux variety with an emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon.

These parcels reflect distinct soil types, sun exposures and individual microclimates. The blocks are fermented separately to contribute complexity to the final blended wine. The blocks are set among the native vegetation to preserve the ecosystem of the hillside.

The dominant feature of this remarkable site appears at the vineyard’s highest point where a single tree crowns the ridge line. This lone pine, over 100 feet tall and visible from many points in Napa Valley, is called Pino Solo. An enduring icon, Pino Solo appears on the label of Newton wines, a mark designating singular wines created from a singular passion.

The winery was designed and built to blend into the mountain and includes elements of the founders’ native lands interwoven with the California environment — roses, a pagoda, a Chinese red gate, lanterns, a London phone booth and English gardens.

This wine pairs well with bold flavors like lamb souvlaki, and osso bucco but is also great with lighter dishes like carne asada or smoked tofu tacos.