Nestled at the base of the Mayacamas in Napa Valley’s revered Oakville bench, the Secret Garden is a hidden gem from our MBar Ranch, a historic 13-acre vineyard once owned by Mondavi and now shared between Round Pond and Araujo. Surrounded by icons like Harlan, Martha’s Vineyard, Missouri Hopper, and To Kalon, this site quietly rivals them all.
We dedicate this wine to our Mother – an incredible role model for all the women in our family – whose strength is legendary and eye for beauty remarkable.
Gravel Series wines are the pinnacle of our portfolio. These block-designate Cabernet Sauvignons are sourced from three unique gravel microsites across our Rutherford Estate and Oakville M-Bar properties—chosen for their ability to produce wines of exceptional power, elegance, and distinction. Crafted in extremely limited quantities, these wines are available exclusively through the winery.
“A big but well-balanced wine that maintains freshness and drinkability, while being deep and saturated at the same time. Good fruit acidity and broad, fine-grained tannins.” – 93 points, Jim Gordon, JamesSuckling.com
“The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravel Series Secret Garden (from MBar Ranch) is a very pretty, understated wine. Succulent red cherry, red plum, mocha, spice, new leather and licorice all meld together in this pliant, creamy Cabernet...an attractive wine for the year..." - 92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Round Pond’s Gravel Series wines, among the best of the 2022 vintage, continually stand out thanks to their well-positioned vineyards. These three wines are a testament to their mastery, yielding exceptional color, tannin, and structure.” – Thomas Rivers Brown, Consulting Winemaker
Richly expressive, this Cabernet Sauvignon opens with alluring aromas of ripe black raspberry, cassis, and a whisper of lavender. On the palate, layers of blackberry, dark cherry, and plum are complemented by notes of cocoa nib, cedar, and a hint of savory spice. The texture is both plush and structured, framed by polished tannins and balanced acidity that bring freshness and lift. The elegant finish lingers with subtle minerality and warm notes of mocha. Beautifully composed, this wine captures the depth and vibrancy of the vintage and will continue to evolve gracefully over the next decade.
The 2022 vintage was the third in a string of drought years. Despite the drought, there was well-timed spring rain that boosted the vines’ vigor, allowing for nicely established canopies for both shade and photosynthesis. The weather remained relatively mild and even, with routine fog patterns cooling nighttime and morning temperatures. Our healthy vine canopies and overhead sprinklers protected fruit from the late summer heat wave. Round Pond’s “California sprawl” trellis systems provide excellent vine balance and diverse sun exposures.
Spring brings an abundance of fresh flavors, making it the perfect time to enjoy vibrant, herbaceous dishes. This Herbed Lamb with Peas and Carrots is an elegant addition to your Easter table, showcasing tender rack of lamb encrusted in fragrant herbs, complemented by a creamy English pea purée and roasted spring vegetables. Pair it with…
