Winemaking
Thoughtful & Classical
There is no set “house style” or single winemaking recipe at COLLATERAL. Winemaker Mike Hirby draws upon decades of experience to respond with a deft hand to what each harvest brings. Our cellar practices include extended aging in puncheon, barrel fermentations, and partial whole-cluster fermentations, depending upon the vintage. We craft vineyard-designate wines that are texturally elegant and freshly aromatic in their youth, and poised to increase in complexity with cellar age.
One thing that’s integral to our approach: We are draconian in our selections. We bottle only the finest barrels, from the best vineyard blocks.— Mike Hirby, Winemaker
Our Wines
The Pledge
Our finest offering at COLLATERAL is a promise of continuity to all who have supported D. R. Stephens Estate over the years, and a promise of excellence to all those who have joined our community more recently. COLLATERAL’s “The Pledge” Napa Valley Red Wine continues a decade-old tradition of bottling a top barrel selection in only the very best vintages—in fact, we originally named this wine COLLATERAL, in reference to a memorable childhood conversation between Justin and his dad. We only release “The Pledge” when the vintage justifies it, so quantities are limited. Become a Member to ensure access to this rare wine.
Chardonnay
- Bud Break
- April 2, 2023
- Veraison
- August 2, 2023
- Harvest
- October 9, 2023
- Brix
- 24.4
- Ph
- 3.89
- Block Yield
- 3.5 Tons/Acre
- Production
- 132 Cases, 1 Bottle
- Composition
- 100% Chardonnay
- Clone
- 100% Old Wente Clone
- Cooperage
- 17 months in French oak, 38% new Burgundy Barrels
Grenache
- Bud Break
- April 14, 2023
- Veraison
- August 20, 2023
- Harvest
- November 1, 2023
- Brix
- 25.2
- Ph
- 3.53
- Block Yield
- 2.87 Ton
- Production
- 154 Cases, 10 Bottles
- Composition
- 100% Grenache
- Clone
- Clone 515
- Cooperage
- 18 Months in seasoned French Oak, 500l Puncheons and barrels
Pinot Noir
- Bud Break
- March 28, 2023
- Veraison
- August 8, 2023
- Harvest
- October 13, 2023
- Brix
- 25.3
- Ph
- 3.51
- Block Yield
- 2.75 Tons/Acre
- Production
- 241 Cases, 8 Bottles
- Composition
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Clone
- 100% Pommard
- Cooperage
- 10 months in French oak, 42% new Burgundy barrels
Merlot
- Bud Break
- March 28, 2021
- Veraison
- July 22, 2021
- Harvest
- October 5, 2021
- Brix
- 27.7
- Ph
- 3.65
- Block Yield
- 2.05 Ton
- Production
- 95 Cases, 8 Bottles
- Composition
- 100% Merlot
- Cooperage
- 17 Months in French Oak, 50% New Darnajou and Bossuet
Malbec
- Bud Break
- April 9, 2023
- Veraison
- August 4, 2023
- Harvest
- October 12, 2023
- Brix
- 26.6
- Ph
- 3.6
- Block Yield
- 1.90 Tons
- Production
- 79 Cases, 5 Bottles
- Composition
- 100% Malbec
- Cooperage
- 17 Months In French Oak, 40% New
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Bud Break
- April 1, 2022
- Veraison
- July 25, 2022
- Harvest
- September 13, 2022
- Brix
- 24.4
- Ph
- 3.83
- Block Yield
- 2.6 Tons/Acre
- Production
- 295 Cases, 10 Bottles
- Composition
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Clone
- 4, 7, 8, 169, 337 and 412
- Cooperage
- 22 Months in French Oak, 50% New – Darnajou, Taransaud, Berger, Atelier Centre France
