The Vineyard

Our vineyard sanctuary for Cabernet Sauvignon is the Rutherford Bench, known for its long growing season and among the most prized sites for Cabernet grown in the Napa Valley. Stretching three miles from Oakville to Rutherford at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains in western Napa Valley, the Rutherford Bench is made up of two alluvial fans. Therein, ultra-complex soil comprised of Franciscan marine sedimentary material is punctuated by loam and volcanic deposits. This incredibly diverse terroir leads to wines with a sought-after mineral-tinged character known as “Rutherford Dust.”

The Winemaking

Grapes were harvested over a period of several weeks, concluding October 21, 2015. After harvest, grapes were hand-sorted at the winery before being gently de-stemmed and crushed (20% were left as whole berries). Our 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon was allowed to macerate on skins for 30 days prior to fermentation, which occurred in stainless steel. Following alcoholic fermentation, skins were pressed off in a basket press and malolactic fermentation was 100% completed. The wine was aged in 100% mostly new French oak barrels from a variety of select coopers for 15 months prior to bottling.

The Wine

Aromas of intense blackcurrant and raspberry, with notes of dark chocolate, cigar paper, and espresso. The mouthfeel is full-bodied with firm tannins; a generous balance of sweetness and acidity. Flavors of blackcurrant, raspberry, bittersweet chocolate and baking spices define a long finish.