This Rutherford site sits at the Northern end of the AVA South of Zinfandel Lane and East side of Highway 29. Our block comes from the older vines of Clone 4 near Zinfandel Lane and embodies the classic qualities of the AVA. Rich, highly aromatic and elegant wines with classic Valley floor earthiness.

We picked an amazing vintage to add another wine to the Cresta Velia portfolio and we are very pleased with our first bottling from this Rutherford site. The moderate but amply warm growing season allowed us to pick at full phenolic ripeness while maintaining enough acidity to create a rich and bold effort with varietal correctness while allowing the site specifics qualities to shine.

The sweet nose smells of rose petals and red cherry with spicy cedar and wet soil. Youthful yet intriguing this Rutherford wine hits all the marks of a valley floor Cabernet. Full to medium-bodied with a significant fruit core, hints of dried herbs, cassis, and kirsch with fine round tannins and a healthy dose of acid helping to keep the wine lively and energetic. Although I would classify this wine as an early drinker there should be no problem letting it hang out in the cellar to gain some complexity.