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 they produce seven unique wines: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Throwback, Adam’s Blend, The Rescuer, the Reserve Zinfandel and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. All of their wines are produced from estate grown grapes which are skillfully transformed into the finest expression of each varietal.
They are dedicated to creating wines of distinction with an emphasis on quality over quantity.
Winemaker Brian Graham
Brian grew up and attended college in Texas. While in college Brian managed a wine store to make ends meet, ultimately falling in love with wine. For the next five years he sold wine retail and also as a distributor for several famous French wineries.
Brian decided to move to France to learn how to make wine in 1995. He attended the University of Bordeaux while working at several small Chateaux in Bordeaux and Burgundy, all the while soaking in the old world style of wine-making. While still living in France Brian attended the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust in London, flying back and forth for classes.
Brian moved to Napa in 1997, continuing his education at Napa College and working for several wineries and winemakers of distinction before turning his attentions to specializing in small family-owned projects with unique terroirs.
Vineyard Notes
Situated on the Northwest corner of Dunaweal Lane and the Silverado Trail in Calistoga, the twenty-five acre property is considered a historic vineyard in Napa Valley. The residence at Canard was built in 1859 and quickly became the center of social activity in the area during the late 1800’s.
Zinfandel was planted over 120 years ago and, remarkably, those dry farmed vines still stand, yielding a small quantity of incredibly elegant fruit which goes into our highly coveted Reserve Zinfandel. Over the years, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and of course our Cabernet Sauvignon were planted and have been meticulously cared for using painstaking but extremely effective vineyard practices.
Creating wine at this level demands a great deal of discernment and sacrifice and most of it takes place in the vineyard. The result is the culmination of what man and nature can do when they work together in harmony.