SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s exciting wine is a truly exemplary Cabernet Sauvignon, representative of the best that the Oakville sub-appellation has to offer – at a fraction of the price of similar Cabs from this region.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

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Mission Codename: Sipping with the Stars

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: After and extended absence, return to Vitus Napa Valley to secure their stellar 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon – before they run out!

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Vitus Napa Valley

Wine Subject: 2007 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: John Gilpin

Backgrounder: Vitus Napa Valley was a big hit with our Operatives, the first time we featured them. Their wines are so hot that they are in tight supply. And, their wines are beloved by us that we’ve been trying to secure an allocation, ever since. Today, Agent Red returns with what are likely the last bottles, anywhere. Snap them up while you can!

The Oakville AVA, centrally located and adjacent to Napa Valley’s famous Rutherford AVA, was established in July 1993. Oakville is considered on of the most diverse AVA’s in the Napa area and grows some of the best Merlot in California. Napa Valley is revered worldwide as the ultimate area in which to produce Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2007 vintage, in particular, has produced some of the finest wines of the recent vintages.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Darkest ruby red, with color that is evenly concentrated, from core to edge. After a hearty swirl, thick, branching legs move slowly down the glass.

Smell – Bold and dark, with blackberry, black currant and red currant that jump from the glass. These sit atop bramble bush, dried black flower petals, fresh fennel, toasty oak and soft brown spice.

Feel – Plush and softly dry, the wine begins with a medium that expands onto the palate, becoming more rich and full-bodied. As a soft, mineral-laden dryness spreads, the feel becomes decidedly more chewy. Fine tannins are beautifully framed by the balanced acidity and flinty minerality..

Taste – Bold black candied cherry and blackberry coat the palate almost instantly, delivering flavors to the far corners of the mouth. After a moment, additional flavors follow on, including dark raspberry, toasted oak, dark dried flower petals, earth and dark minerals.

Finish – Very long-lived, with dark fruit that gradually yields to earthen flavors of dried flowers, minerals and subtle dark spice.

Conclusion – Our tasting panel loved this generous, elegant and approachable wine, and we give the wine our heartiest recommendation. The 2007 Vitus Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is a fantastic successor to the previous (exceptional) vintage of this great wine. Classic Napa Valley, this wine deliver bold, bright flavors, a plush and elegant feel, with great fruit, spice and subtle minerals. Enjoy this delicious wine now, but be sure to lay a few bottles down for the next several years.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: John Gilpin

WINE EDUCATION: Cal Poly B.S U.C Davis – Oenology

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Winemaker for three labels

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Blending will always produce a better wine!

WINEMAKER QUOTE: ” Be Patient”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: 6-1-04

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, John. We are thrilled to be showing your 2007 Oakville Cabernet today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

JOHN: Thanks, Agent Red, we are excited to be sharing our wine with your operatives.

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

JOHN: My very first taste.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

JOHN: Helen Turley – she really got what Napa really was all about: Big, ripe wines.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

JOHN: I make the wine first for myself, because if I don’t like the wines I am making why bother.

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

JOHN: Within all my years of winemaking the this is by far my favorite vintage. The 2007 Cabernet from the Oakville area of Napa Valley is truly the best vintage I’ve ever tasted.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

JOHN: Beef short Rib Bourguignon.

RED: In your opinion, what makes Oakville so special?

JOHN: The cool foggy mornings that preserve the acidity then warm afternoons that ripen the grapes.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

JOHN: Getting ready to bottle the 2009 vintage.

RED: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

JOHN: With an open mind and with no preconceived ideas about the wine. Let the wine speak for itself!

RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

JOHN: I hope you enjoy the wine because there is a part of myself that goes into each bottle! Cheers!

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

Vitus Napa Valley can be tasted at the tasting room of our friends at Napa’s Bourassa Vineyards, the location of which can be seen in this satellite photo. Be sure to mention you are a wine spy when visiting.