Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley
2013
Cases Produced: 150
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
Barrel Aged: 23 months, 75% New French Oak, 25% Once-Used French Oak, Medium Toast
Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
Alcohol % 14.5
pH: 3.5
Acid: 6.6 g/L
Aromas; dark berry fruit, light vanilla, fresh oregano, sweet oak.
Flavors; black plum, bing cherry, espresso bean, wet stone.
Structured. Depth. Complexity.
Drink now through 2025.
The Napa Valley Appellation
An array of unique soils, from volcanic to marine, exist in The Napa Valley, a warmer and more continental climate beyond conventional wine making regions of the world. Cool oceanic fog and winds moderate night temperatures and retreat early in the dawn, thus grapes are prolonged in development, producing fully concentrated flavors and complexities in an unique Mediterranean climate.
Production
After harvesting in the early morning dawn to preserve fresh, chilled fruit, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel sur lie (on the skin) for 15-16 days before being pressed off. Undergoing 100% malolactic fermentation to smooth out the acid, and allowing the development of a rich and soft mid-palate. Finishing second fermentation, el vino was placed in French Oak for 23 months – 75% New French Oak, 25% Once-Used French Oak, both Medium Toast.
Other Notes
On the heels of 2013 – a year that has been described as “nearly perfect” – the quality of the 2014 vendimia (vintage) is nothing less than extraordinary. The cooler, sunny weather throughout Napa Valley Harvest allowed the final Cabernet grapes a longer ideal hang time, developing complex flavor maturities with sugar levels remaining steady, not to overpower the phenolic and physiological ripeness. Vineyards throughout The Napa Valley reported the 2014 harvest as truly exceptional, thus creating wines worthy of esteemed commendment.