Nose
Opens with intriguing aromas of blackberry and
mocha that are interlaced with coffee and mineral notes.
Palate
This is a classically
dry wine that displays flavors of blackberry and both red and black currants
that are enhanced by a touch of black cherry, ripe tannins and a long, lingering
finish. Enjoy this wine over the next 5 to 10 years.
Growing Conditions
The grapes for the 2011 Generations Cabernet Sauvignon are grown in
some of the best vineyards and appellations in the Napa Valley. The
majority come from a two vineyards on the west side of St. Helena known
for sandy soils that produce berries with sweet, ripe tannins. The remaining
grapes were sourced from a meticulously farmed knoll-top vineyard at
the corner of Oakville Cross Road and Silverado Trail. By blending grapes
from the St. Helena and Oakville appellations, we are able to make a wine
that truly represents the best of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and
honors our five generation history or making wine in the Napa Valley.
What began as a wet winter and spring continued with rainfall into
mid-June. The precipitation totals for the 2011 growing season found
the region more than a third above normal in rainfall, and while this
was good news for water resources, the cloud cover and cool temperatures
delayed vine development by several weeks at the onset of the
growing season. Despite this, we found that the flavors from this
vintage developed at lower brix, giving us the opportunity to make
truly elegant wine.
Appellation: Napa Valley (80% St. Helena, 20% Oakville)
Winemaking
Grapes were fermented on the skins for 30-38 days to lend complexity and
depth to the wine.
Aging
Racked to new, tight-grained, medium and
medium plus toast French oak barrels for 18-20 months of aging. Only
our best barrels from forests in Nevers, Allier and the Center of France
were selected for this blend of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Appearance
Our 2011 Napa Valley Generations Cabernet Sauvignon is a striking dark
ruby color in the glass.
