Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Reserve 2015
Vintage
2015 was one of the earliest harvests on record in Napa Valley; a dry, warm winter with only 75% of normal precipitation resulted in small grape clusters with highly concentrated flavors. Bud break was early, and there was an uneven fruit set due to a long flowering period; this led to a lighter crop. A surge in hot temperatures in the final weeks of harvest brought the last of the crop in quickly. Overall, the 2015 vintage was early and light, with wines showing richness and deep flavor.
Vineyards
Well-established, low-yielding, hillside vineyards are the foundation of this wine, giving the finished blend its intense inner core of fruit.
Vinification
The grapes were hand picked at optimum ripeness. Following destemming, the grapes were stainless steel-fermented and received extended skin contact before being transferred to barrels. The wine was aged in small French oak barrels for 24 months (67% new barrels) where the wine completed malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
Deep purple-garnet. Aromas of cedar, blackberries, graphite, baking spices, and anise. Full-bodied with plush, polished tannins, cassis and mineral notes on the finish.
Ratings & Reviews
88 points
"Made in an approachable, drink-me-now style, this Cab flatters with its wealth of blackberries, cherries, currants, licorice and oak. It has rich, luxurious tannins and is full-bodied and dry."
- Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Buying Guide, March 2014 Download PDF
Highly Recommended
"Medium-dark ruby; deep, rich, cassis and blackberry fruit aroma and hints of mint and wet stone; medium-full to full body; rich, textured, red currant and dark cherry flavors with a trace of vanilla and a supple mouthfeel; medium-full to full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable to drink now."
- California Grapevine, December 2013 Download PDF
Technical Data:
• Varietal Composition: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Alcohol: 14.6%
• TA: 0.65 g/100ml
• pH: 3.58
• Oak Aging: 24 months
• Oak Cooperage French oak, 67% new
• Bottling Date: February 22, 2018
• Production: 722 cases
