Fe bottle

From frequent sunshine to cool evening winds, there are many reasons why the Napa Valley produces some of the world’s greatest wines. The distinct soil ­characteristics in the vineyards are another pivotal factor in why the region’s wine quality keeps soaring. Fe Wines, a new property from Peninsula ­oenophiles–turned–Napa Valley ­proprietors Joanne and Jon Goldstein, emphasizes the importance of the iron-rich volcanic soil at its Spring Mountain estate by naming the winery for the ­element. (Remember ­atomic symbols from high school chemistry class?)

The debut vintage of Fe Wines Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon — a Bordeaux-style red blend with a base of 91 percent cabernet sauvignon from celebrated winemaker Aaron Pott — is a bright, striking wine that opens with fresh flowers and redwood forest aromas. Then notes of vanilla, licorice and ripe black fruit flow onto the palate, concluding in a wonderfully smooth finish. Its sturdy tannins and soft texture mean the wine will age gracefully for decades, but it is also a perfect wine to toast to the Napa Valley with this harvest season. fewines.com