The Wine
Grown east of Highway 29 just south of Oakville Cross Road, our 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon displays aromatics of spiced plums, black cherry, vanilla and espresso. It has a rich entry reminiscent of chocolate covered cherries. Barrel aged 18 months in 57% new French oak.
The Winemaking
A pre-fermentation cold soak with traditional pump-over cap management and a cool fermentation preserved the unique fruit qualities of this wine. After malolactic occurred in wood, an addition 57% new French oak were used to enhance the spice flavor components and to frame the fruit with added structure in the mid-palate. During 27 months of aging this wine was racked once and was lightly filtered before bottling.
The Vineyard
Our 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is from the lower elevations of Howell Mountain and our Oakville vineyard. The soil is extremely rich which translates into the fruit-forward wines. Because of the elevation on Howell Mountain, bud break is later, and the vines have a different developmental curve compared to the valley floor. The vineyard is above the fog line, which doesn’t cool down as much at night. The crop level there gave that notion credibility. This Cab gets about 1/3 yield that most Napa Valley Cab vineyards get.
"Lush, dry and delicious, with firm but finely ground tannins framing black currant, cassis, mocha and cedar flavors. Feels soft and plush, and should improve through 2011."
- Wine Enthusiast
“Intense yet fine with plenty of oak but strong black currant, tomato leaf , licorice, vanilla and mint tones. Lovely mouthfeel, rigid with a touch of woody sweetness and wonderfully pure fruit. The tannins are modest and a touch stiff but in proportion and well balanced allowing the pure fruit tones to take center stage. This is not a powerhouse but a well balanced, well focused bottle of cab that recalls some of the classic wines of the 80’s and shows very little sign of the formidable 14.9% alcohol. 93pts.“
- snooth.com
