Nose
Our 2012 Reserve Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
opens with tantalizing aromas of plum, cedar, dust, and earth.
Palate
Dark chocolate and blackberry flavors envelop the palate and
are supported by bright acidity, integrated tannins, and a
satisfyingly long finish. Enjoy this wine over the next 5-8 years.
Growing Conditions
The grapes for the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon were
sourced from our vineyards in Rutherford and St. Helena, as
well as select nearby growers. Our estate vineyards are located
on gravelly alluvial fan soils with good drainage, necessary for
growing excellent quality Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards
are diligently monitored throughout the growing season to
balance the crop size and quality. Shoot thinning and leaf
removal early in the growing season followed by cluster
thinning at veraison, help to achieve evenly ripened grapes with
concentrated flavors.
"Classic" and "perfect" are just two accolades being bestowed
upon the 2012 Napa Valley growing season and harvest.
Textbook conditions saw near-ideal spring bud break, steady
flowering, even fruit set, and a lengthy stretch of warm days
and cool nights during the long summer months. Late and light
rains held off until Napa Valley's treasured wine grapes found
optimal ripeness, bringing exceptional quality to the crush pad
and into the cellar.
Bottling
The wine was bottled unfiltered contributing
greater texture and presence to the mid palate.
Winemaking
The wine spent an average of 25 days on skins. The final blend includes small
amounts of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah for added depth and
complexity.
Aging
Aged
for 18 months in 30% new French oak (mostly Demptos,
Saury, Seguin Moreau, Nadalie). The balance was aged in once
and twice-used French oak.
