Ovid Hexameter 2018

Ovid Hexameter 2018 is a powerful, Cabernet Franc-led red from one of Napa Valley’s most coveted mountain sites on Pritchard Hill. Built with Bordeaux-inspired precision and Ovid’s signature sense of experimentation, it combines concentration, elegance, and remarkable aging potential in a wine that already feels very special.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, it shows a dark, deeply colored profile with impressive density. The nose is highly expressive, offering dark cherries, blueberries, rhubarb, blood orange, mint, almond, sage, crushed rock, rose petal, licorice, spice, and a subtle leather note. The palate is full-bodied and intense, yet remarkably balanced and seamless, with polished tannins and vivid, pure fruit. Cabernet Franc gives the wine lift, aromatic complexity, and a saline, mineral edge, while the oak adds structure and refinement rather than excess. This is a wine built for the long haul and should continue to gain depth and nuance over 25-30 years.

Production
Hexameter is sourced from Ovid’s own vineyards on Pritchard Hill in Napa Valley, where rocky red soils and mountain exposure provide ideal conditions for Cabernet Franc. The 2018 blend is based on Cabernet Franc, supported by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a small amount of Petit Verdot, reflecting a clear Bordeaux influence. The grapes are vinified under the direction of Austin Peterson and matured for around 22 months in French oak, with a high proportion of new barrels to add polish, structure, and complexity.

Food & Serving
This is a wine that pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, venison, braised short ribs, or a richly flavored mushroom dish. It also works well with aged hard cheeses and dishes with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage. Serve at 16-18°C and consider decanting for 1-2 hours, especially if drinking young, to allow the aromatics and structure to fully open.

Producer
Ovid was founded in 2000 by Mark Nelson and Dana Johnson and is perched high on Pritchard Hill, one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious terroirs. The winery is known for its tiny production, solar-powered facility, organic farming principles, and a creative approach that balances fixed bottlings with annual experiments. Since 2010, winemaker Austin Peterson has been central to Ovid’s rise, bringing broad international experience and a distinctive style that has helped establish the estate as one of Napa’s most exciting cult producers.

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