Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2021

VINTAGE NOTES
Late winter rains followed by ideal spring growing conditions set the stage for the 2021 vintage. Mild temperatures punctuated this drought year with only a few heat spikes during the summer months that led to early ripening and allowed us to harvest some early blocks with incredible old-world charm and intriguing complexity. Grapes that were harvested later benefitted from the longer hang time and ripened perfectly, displaying great depth with distinct regional character. The ideal weather of 2021, coupled with lower yields, produced wines that offer intense aromatics and flavors with excellent aging potential.

VINEYARD SOURCES
Originally a water refueling stop for the railroad that connected Vallejo to Calistoga, Oakville was named for its dense groves of valley oaks. Situated in the heart of Napa Valley, Oakville has an ideal combination of warm days and cool evenings. The deep, rich soils on the west side near Highway 29 give way to rockier, thinner soils on the east side near Silverado Trail. In 2021, we used grapes from some of our top vineyards primarily on the eastern side of the Oakville AVA.

WINEMAKING
The 2021 vintage is a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon with 3% Petit Verdot for added structure and texture. This wine was 20% barrel fermented in French Oak, 40% new and 60% two- and three-year-old French oak barriques and 80% in stainless steel tanks and then aged for eighteen months in 40% new and 60% two and three-year-old barriques.

TASTING NOTES
On the nose: Subtle red plum, boysenberry and bing cherry fruits are framed by notes of toasted grains, coffee, coco nib, graphite and nutmeg.

On the palate: Deep, rich flavors of macerated strawberry and pomegranate are complimented by sarsaparilla root, savory herbs and allspice.