Nose
This sophisticated violet‐hued cabernet sauvignon offers intense aromas of lavender,
vanillin, earth and spice.
Palate
The palate opens slowly to reveal layer after layer of dense, dark
fruits; blueberry, black raspberry and cassis. Subtle undercurrents of black tea, sage and
orange oil add further dimension as firm tannins and charcoal notes emerge to create a
memorable finish.
Growing Conditions
: The 2007 growing season was preceded by a mild, dry winter. Bud break
came early, setting a crop of highly concentrated berries in small clusters. Summer brought
ideal weather with warm, even temperatures through veraison. Late summer heat spikes in
Napa Valley were mediated by the cooling ocean breezes that reach Carneros from the bay.
Fruit had ample time for phenolics as well as sugars to reach optimum levels. The result was
a slow, steady harvest of exceptional quality, with wines showing great intensity and
structure.
Harvest
Hand‐harvested grapes.
Bottling
Unfined and unfiltered; bottled June 2009.
Winemaking
Fermented in a single 5‐ton closed‐top stainless steel fermentor with indigenous yeasts
4‐day cold soak, 32 days total maceration
Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 20 months in French oak barrels; 88% new.