Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2010
Vintage
Mother Nature framed the 2010 growing season with above-average precipitation in Napa Valley, with Spring rains ending in May and resuming in late October. The season was slightly cooler than normal, testing the skills of vineyard managers as they sought to speed up the ripening process. The harvest season was brought to a quick close in late October by an advancing Pacific storm system. Overall, tonnage was off by as much as 20% but vintners were pleased with the quality of the crop.
Vineyards
Well-established hillside vineyards are the foundation of this wine, giving the finished blend its intense inner core of fruit. The complexity and balance of this vintage was achieved through diverse sourcing.
Vinification
The grapes were hand picked at optimum ripeness. Following destemming, the grapes were stainless steelfermented and received extended skin contact before being transferred to barrels. The wine was aged in small French oak barrels for 24 months (80% new barrels) where the wine completed malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
With its Bordeaux-like presence, this wine is deep, rich, and lingering. Firm, integrated tannins frame the concentrated, dark fruit (currant, black cherry, wild berry, plum.) Toasty oak and an earthy edge add to the wine’s great complexity.
Press & Acclaim
93 points - 2009 Vintage
"This is amazing value in California Cab. It’s hard to believe. Aromas of fresh herbs with currants and blueberries as well as mint. It's full body with velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Lots of fruit but not overdone and not over alcoholic. Drink and don't worry."
- James Suckling, Tasting Report, June 2012 Download PDF
92 points - 2007 Vintage
"Lots of freshness in this with spices, ripe berries, currants, and chocolate cake. Full and velvety on the palate, with ripe tannins and a long round finish. Lots going on. Find the wine."
- James Suckling, Tasting Report, February 2011 Download PDF
2006 Vintage
"An exceptional value for a hillside Cabernet that's balanced with ripe plum, herbal and cedar notes."
- Bon Appétit, February 2011 Download PDF
Very Highly Recommended - 2005 Vintage
"Medium to medium-dark ruby; attractive, cedary, plumy, cassis and black cherry fruit aroma with a hint of cocoa; full body; forward, rich, textured, layered, slightly herbaceous, dark currant and ripe berry flavors with notes of green olive and sweet oak; velvety mouthfeel; medium-full to full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Good Value. Very highly recommended."
- California Grapevine, December 2008 - January 2009 Download PDF
Technical Data:
• Varietal Composition: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• TA: 0.64 g/100ml
• pH: 3.62
• Oak Aging: 24 months
• Oak Cooperage: French oak, 80% new
• Production: 7,487 cases
• Bottling Date: December 17-20, 2012, January 2-3, 2013
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