Prime Vine Winery Launches Pivot: A New Napa Red Blend

Prime Vine Winery proudly introduces Pivot, a new proprietary red blend made from premium Napa Valley grapes. Named in honor of resilience, Pivot was born out of the challenges the winery has faced in recent years—from the disruptions of COVID-19 to the impact of wildfire smoke on California vineyards. Owners Jim and Julie Pulk, who also helm Napa’s Venture Wines, remain dedicated to sourcing exceptional California fruit. As Jim Pulk puts it, Prime Vine Winery’s lineup features “some of the best California wines you’ll drink”—and Pivot is a shining example.

A Blend for Challenging Times

The timing of Pivot’s development reflects the hardships the industry faced. Even as 85% of U.S. wineries kept producing through the pandemic, many saw their 2020 harvests ravaged by smoke. Napa Valley’s total grape crush fell about 14% that year, with Cabernet Sauvignon yields down roughly 43% from 2019. In this context, Prime Vine chose to craft a celebratory wine. Pivot embodies the decision to lean on strengths (like Napa sourcing) and creativity: rather than give up, the winery “pivoted” by blending a hopeful new vintage.

The Pivot Blend

Pivot is a proprietary Napa red blend composed of 56% Merlot, 34% Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cabernet Franc. This combination marries the plush, fruit-forward character of Napa Merlot with the structure and cassis notes of Oakville Cabernet, while a touch of Cabernet Franc adds spicy complexity. It draws on the same premium grape varieties as the Pulks’ Venture 216 Cuvée (a Napa Merlot/Cab Franc blend), but with extra Cabernet Sauvignon to build depth. After fermentation, Pivot was aged in French oak barrels to integrate its flavors and tannins. The result is a balanced, full-bodied blend that showcases Napa’s rich black fruits and fine, velvety texture.

Tasting Notes

Pivot offers a rich, layered profile. On the nose it shows ripe black cherry and blackberry aromas with subtle earthy or forest-floor hints. The palate is plush and inviting: ripe dark fruits – think blackberry, plum and a touch of cassis – mingle with notes of cocoa and vanilla from oak. Its tannins are smooth and silky, giving the wine a refined, velvety mouthfeel. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering black fruit and a hint of clove or tobacco spice that makes each sip memorable.

Inspiration Behind Pivot

The winemaking team approached Pivot with optimism. At Prime Vine Winery, every wine is crafted to reflect character and balance—and Pivot is no exception. Jim and Julie Pulk, along with their winemakers, blended it with care and creativity, determined to bring something meaningful to life after a pair of difficult vintages. Pivot is more than a new release—it’s a reflection of resilience, a reminder to keep moving forward no matter the season.

You’re invited to experience Pivot firsthand at Prime Vine Winery. Now available by the glass or bottle, this special blend is being poured in our tasting room and featured at select events. Join us Wednesday through Saturday from 3 to 9 PM, or during Sunday Brunch starting at 11 AM. Come explore the estate, enjoy a glass of Pivot, and raise a toast to fresh starts.

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