Adastra

The name Adastra is taken from the Latin saying per aspera ad astra, "through striving to the stars." Adastra strives to produce intense, complex wines that capture the essence of Adastra Vineyards, a unique combination of fog, soil, clones and stars on twenty acres in the Napa Carneros. Family-owned, Adastra is run by Chris Thorpe and son-in-law Edwin Richards. Pam Starr has been Adastra's winegrowing consultant since 1997. Other wines in the Adastra constellation continue to shine brightly... The 2003 Adastra Merlot won a Gold Medal at the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Enhancing its delicious plum, cherry, and blackberry fruit notes, this wine is developing an increasing spice and cedar character... Meanwhile the 2004 Merlot was designated a "highly distinctive wine" by the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "Full, rich and highly ripened smells of cherries, creamy oak and a slightly spicy, clove-like edge highlight this weighty Merlot...remarkably deep and rich in flavor...never lacks for personality," the writer enthused. Buy Merlot now...Also the Wine Spectator Online reviewed the 2004 Adastra Proximus Pinot Noir: "Black cherry, wild berry, and raspberry scents carry over to the palate, giving it a rich mouthfeel. Intense, vibrant and concentrated, finishing with a long, complex aftertaste" and rated it "outstanding."