Canard Vineyard
2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
California: Napa Valley
Mission Briefing
Gutsy gusto
Today marks the return of one of Agent Red’s favorite small-production wineries, Canard Vineyard. We first featured this winery here in 2010, and we’ve gotten to know Canard quite well these past few years. Their commitment to their craft is exemplary and their passion and dedication are apparent with each sip of their wonderful wines.
We first learned of today’s 2008 Canard Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon back in 2010. Back then, the winery was very excited about the eventual release of this wine. They were certain that it would be wonderful. Wow, were they right!
This delicious wine delivers on many levels and we feel confident that you’ll love it as much as we do.
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Dark crimson at its core, slowly mellowing into a beautiful, bright red at its edge. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | Robust, leading with grilled plum and mixed dark berry preserve, with notes of subtle sweet tobacco, black pepper, and freshly cracked walnuts. |
| Taste: | Bold and well balanced, with notes of stewed plum, mulberry preserve, and blackberry compote overlaying dried wild mushroom, dark spice, toasted almonds, and slight notes of herbal tea. |
| Finish: | After benefiting nicely from decanting, the wine presents a very well structured, gently drying finish, with fresh cedar and plum trailing into a touch of tobacco at the finale. |
| Pairing: | Pan seared ribeye served with a green peppercorn sauce and roasted root vegetables. |
What the Winery Says
This full bodied, deep garnet Cabernet Sauvignon is dense and rich with long soft tannins and a smooth integrated structure. Classic Napa Valley, the wine is aged in French oak to create roundness and an age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. Shows black fruits, a touch of chocolate and notes of holiday spice on the nose. The palate is rich with black berry pie, figs, smoked meats and hints of sage brush. This wine will age easily 10+ years.
- Winemaker
- Brian Graham
- Appellation
- Napa Valley, California
- Varietal Composition
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cooperage
- 19 months in French oak, 50% new
- ABV
- 15.4%
About the Winery
Canard Vineyard has been quietly producing small production, hand crafted wines for almost thirty years. Each year we produce seven unique wines: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Throwback, Adam’s Blend, The Rescuer and our Reserve Zinfandel and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. All of our wines are produced from estate grown grapes which are skillfully transformed into the finest expression of each varietal. We are dedicated to creating wines of distinction with an emphasis on quality over quantity.