Sorry, The Wine Spies doesn't support Internet Explorer anymore. Please use a newer browser to continue browsing our wine collections.
What We Say 2004 Jana Cathedral Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend
SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:
Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to Free Ground Shipping and, sometimes, an added discount!
Mission Codename: Labor of Love
Operative: Agent White
Objective: Acquire a Unique Napa Valley Bordeaux Style Blend
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Jana Wines (Scott Harvey Wines)
Wine Subject: 2004 Cathedral Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend
Winemaker: Richard Peterson
Backgrounder:
The majority of the grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon) for this wine come from the Martin Vineyard in the Coombsville region of Napa Valley. Located in the southeastern corner of the Valley and the proposed Tolocay AVA overlaps a portion of the region. The region is ideal for growing red Bordeaux varietals due to its cooler climate, rolling hills and its soil witch is a mix of volcanic ash and rocky river gravel. These conditions are ideal for slower-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. Previously farm and ranch property, grapes have been growing the Coombsville only more recently.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Deep and dark purple with good clarity and garnet hued-edges with slight burnt-orange and pick tints. Slow fat legs indicating good viscosity cling to the edges of the glass when swirled.
Smell – Medium in intensity with aromas of ripe and sweet black-cherry and fresh blackberry. Hints of licorice, toasted oak, floral violets and a touch of smoke round out the very pleasant nose.
Feel – A smooth and dry attack, this round medium-bodied blend has medium-firm, but fine well structured tannins and balanced acidity.
Taste – Balanced and well integrated flavors of ripe and fresh black cherry, soft toasted oak and touches of licorice that leads into other tangy black and red fruits and a touch of fresh herbs, smoke, mocha and spice.
Finish -Clean and long with lingering ripe fruit, toasted oak and floral violets.
Conclusion – The 2004 Cathedral has a very European quality about it. Lower in alcohol with subtle and soft aromas and flavors but still has its Napa Valley roots. Plush and round, elegant with great finesse, this predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (76%; 13% Petit Verdot and 11% Cabernet Franc) blend is perfect for when you want a wine that has all the flavors of a bold Napa red without the punch.
Mission Report:
It was supposed to be a weekend get-away. Figuring that Agent Blush and I could escape from ops and, pardon the pun, but fly ‘under the radar’ for a day or two. The plan was to fly out to Sedona, Arizona and enjoy a couple days of fresh air, some casual hikes and most importantly time away from the demands of work (ok, so we drink wine for a living, but its still a lot of work).
For those who haven’t been, Sedona is a lovely small town in central Arizona famous for its red sandstone formations and tranquil beauty. Flying it is also a treat as the airport sits atop a bluff above town.
All was going swimmingly until dinner that night. We sat down at the lodge and had started to review the wine list. Just then, a man in a Native American leather jacket, cowboy hat and dark sun glasses took the carte and and said “local legend demands you search for the Cathedral”. Odd, I thought, but as he walked away with the wine list, the sommelier dropped by and indicated his approval of our non-choice, saying only “excellent selection, Mr… White”.
Agent Blush, seeing my concern, immediately said, “I didn’t say anything. I know not to blow our cover.” I believed her, but was concerned since nobody was supposed to know about our little trip. The somm returned with the wine and presented us with a bottle of 2004 Jana Cathedral Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend. He poured a little in Blush’s glass and waited for her to nod her head, which she did with a big smile. After filling our glasses and leaving the bottle on the table, he simply said “The Harvey’s send their regards for a romantic weekend sir, enjoy”.
Cathedral Rock, Sedona, Arizona
Coutresy of VisitSedonaSoon.com
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The location of the Jana Wines and Scott Harvey Wines can be seen in this satellite photo.
What the Winery Says
Jana Wines
Jana Wines are named to convey the romance and passion Scott feels for his wife, Jana, and also for the creation of the wines that they love to share. The wines are from the best of Napa Valley varietals. The Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant Bordeaux Blend. The Napa Valley Riesling and Ice Wine are innovative wines that spring from Scott’s winemaking training in Germany.
Awards & Accolades:
94 Points – Tastings.com
90 Points – Wine Enthusiast
About This Wine:
Named for Cathedral Rock in Sedona, AZ where Scott and Jana were engaged, this wine epitomizes the Napa Valley. Perfect for that romantic evening and a night of enchantment……
Tasting Notes: Well structured, chewy, firm, violets, pyrazines, hints of mint.
Vineyard Notes: Cabernet Sauvignon from the Martin Vineyard in the Coombsville area of Napa Valley. this dry southwest looking hillside produces stressed Cabernet with small crops and berry size.
Winemaker Notes: Named for Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona where Scott and Jana were engaged, this wine epitomizes the best of Napa Valley. The small crop and berry size allows for full maturity of the grapes at lower sugar levels allowing us to make a true regional and varietal wine at 13.4% alcohol. Being European trained, this vineyard allows me to produce a Napa Valley Bordeaux blend as a balanced, complete wine.
About The Winery:
Scott Harvey Wines are made of the best varietals from the terroir of Amador County, California. These worldly wines include an Old Vine Zinfandel, a Syrah (Rhone), a Barbera (Italian) and a Port (Portuguese). Scott’s roots are in Amador County which has allowed him to develop considerable expertise with these varietals.
History:
Growing up in California’s Sierra Mountains Region, Scott developed a keen interest in winemaking as a high school exchange student in the Rhineland Pfalz region of Germany. Scott attended California State University at Sacramento before beginning practical Enology training at Montevina Winery in Amador County. Back to Germany in 1975, he apprenticed at K. Fitz-Ritter Winery while attending the Weinbau Schule in Neustadt. Once again returning to Montevina Winery, Scott focused on all aspects of winemaking and running a winery. From farming the grapes to effectively marketing the wine, Scott solidified his knowledge and experience. In 1978, at the age of twenty-three, Scott took over as Head Winemaker for Story Winery, also in Amador County.
In 1979 Scott developed an ambitious winery plan for the Santino family. As Winemaker and General Manager of Santino Winery, Scott is credited with placing Amador County firmly on the California wine map. Crafting the best wines possible from the soils and climatic conditions of the region, Santino and later Renwood benefited from Scott’s German training and innovative style. Becoming one of the leading wineries in Amador County, and garnering critical acclaim, the wine world was paying attention. Amador County was now recognized as a world-class wine-growing appellation.
In 1996, Scott was recruited as Partner, Winemaker & President for newly purchased, Folie a Deux Winery in Napa Valley. Combining forces with Lead Partner, renowned Winemaker, Richard Peterson, Ph.D, a formidable winemaking team was launched. Scott pursued his commitment to award-winning Cabernets made from the Estate Vineyards in Napa Valley while continuing his passion for Amador County Zinfandel. Access to Scott’s original Grandpère vineyard in Amador County and close relationships with premier Amador County growers, resulted in award-winning wines all around for Folie a Deux. In addition, Scott’s creation, the “Menage a Trois” line of wines, was an instant commercial success. In 2004, Folie a Deux, now a respected brand, was sold to Sutter Home/Trinchero Winery. Scott was finally positioned and ready to start his own venture, and he had the ideal partner – his wife, Jana, a wine industry veteran.
Scott Harvey Wines, the initial line of wines in the “Creative Wine Concepts” portfolio, was created out of market demand for Scott’s wines – “niche wines that over deliver.” The Scott Harvey line focuses on Scott’s roots – Zinfandel, Syrah and Barbera from the Sierra’s. Approachable, food friendly and full of luscious fruit, these wines have struck a cord in the marketplace. Scott has hit his stride with his new mantra – “Scott Harvey Wines, it’s time!” Stay tuned – this is just the beginning!
Technical Analysis:
Vintage: 2004
Wine Type: Medium Red Wine
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend
Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petite Verdot, 11% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Napa Valley
pH: 3.52
Residual Sugar: Dry <.2%
Alcohol: 13.5%
