Our Cave 7 captures the deep flavor intensity of a classic Cabernet. The aromas reveal red fruit cherry, briary notes and minerality. The juicy flavors mimic the aromas: strawberry, cherry combined with cola, vanilla and a touch of tart cranberries. Oak aging adds cinnamon and nutmeg notes and the acidic backbone and grippy tannins indicate a wine worth aging. It is drinking beautifully now but can be cellared a bit longer. Try it with Cabernet-braised stew or a rib roast.
The fruit for our 2017 Cave 7 Cabernet Sauvignon was specially chosen from a collection of our favorite vineyards across our estate vineyards. This vintage’s grapes were sourced from some of the most renowned sub-appellations of Napa Valley: Rutherford and Oakville.
The season began with rain that refilled reservoirs and replenished soils, a welcome relief after an extended drought. Harvest started early at a normal pace in many regions and then progressed rapidly during a heat wave in late August and early September. Cooling temperatures in mid-September slowed the harvest and allowed red grapes to ripen gradually.
The grapes were hand harvested at night, carefully sorted in the vineyard, then brought to the cellar and destemmed. Following a cold soak, fermentation occurred at a high temperature to ensure maximum extraction was achieved before the wine was racked to 34 percent new French oak barrels. The wine was aged in barrel for a total of 18 months before bottling.
