Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2004
Vintage
The early spring bud break of 2004, coupled with several late summer hot spells, led to one of the earliest Napa
Valley harvests in a decade. In general, the crop was small, especially when measured in size of berries, but it
provided great flavor concentration - the accountant’s nightmare and the winemaker’s dream.
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 the 2004 vintage was achieved through diverse sourcing; while a
majority of grapes were sourced from Oakville and Rutherford, vineyards from Coombsville to Diamond
Mountain contributed to the final blend.
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 18 months (70% new barrels) where the wine completed malolactic fermentation. The
wine was racked prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of cedary oak, currants, black cherries and ripe plums suggest the fruit flavors to come, as does the
intense, deep red color of the wine. Dense, mouth-filling cherries, plums, chocolate and tobacco marry with
the oak nuances. The firm tannins underlying the wine’s core provide balance, leading to a long, lingering
finish.
Technical Data:
- Varietal Composition: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot
- Appellation: Napa Valley
- Alcohol: 14.8%
- TA: 0.69 g/100ml
- pH: 3.61
- Oak Aging: 18 months
- Oak Cooperage French oak, 70% new
- Production: 12,570 cases
- Bottling Date: May 22,23,25,31, June 1,6,7,14,15, 2006
