Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2008
Since our founding in 1978, we have proudly produced appellation Cabernets that showcase the unique character of the AVAs and our estate vineyards within them. This Cabernet Sauvignon, however, was crafted to embody the ultimate essence of Napa, sourcing from our multiple appellations throughout the valley.
Vineyards
The fruit for this vintage was chosen from several premier sites throughout the Napa Valley. Closely spaced vines and attentive farming of the vineyard blocks that produced the crop contributed to the bright, complex layers of flavor that characterize this bottling.
Harvest & Winemaking
The 2008 vintage was extremely variable, opening with an intense frost that resulted in limited fruit set, then proceeding to be one of the driest seasons on record which reduced berry weight further. A long, cool summer allowed flavors to develop fully before a heat wave encouraged prompt picking. Harvest commenced mid-September with the grapes gently hand-harvested into small boxes, then quickly destemmed into tank. After fermentation, the wine underwent 18 days of extended maceration, then was aged in 70% French and 30% American oak barrels, 50% new, for 17 months before bottling in May of 2010.
Tasting Notes
Deep garnet in color, this brilliantly youthful wine evokes aromas of blackberry, cassis, and stewed red cherries, draped in milk chocolate, toast and vanilla bean layers. On the palate, it enters subtly with flavors of roasted espresso bean and milk chocolate, then explodes with bright fruit notes of black plum, red raspberry and cherry, finishing smoothly with well-structured tannins and a hint of spice.
Food Pairing
Bright and fruit forward, this is an excellent food wine, and would prove a beautiful foil to a variety of dishes. Try this bottling alongside a hearty dish, such as grilled sirloin with thyme butter and roasted Brussels sprouts, or if you prefer, a rich and nutty cheese, like Abbaye de Belloc. The wine’s weighty palate will nicely balance these substantial pairings.
- SRP
- $54
- Purchase
- Varietal
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Appellation
- Napa Valley
- Alcohol
- 14.1%
- Released
- May 2011
- Aging Potential
- 8-10 years