The Napa Valley is best known for growing world class Cabernet Sauvignon. For the inaugural vintage of the Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the majority of the fruit came from the St. Helena region, which sits in the heart of northern Napa Valley. Consisting of unique volcanic soils and geology, and enjoying a Mediterranean climate with strong diurnal swings, this sought after appellation provides ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive.
The fruit was picked in the cool of the morning and transported to the winery where it was destemmed and crushed into small open top tanks. Once fermentation was complete the wine was pressed and transferred into 100% new French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation.
Layers of brambly berry, rhubarb and boysenberry fruit aromas are complemented by cardamom spice and earthy, lavender notes. The complex nose, evolving with time in the glass, leads to an inviting, opulently textured mouthfeel with plush flavors of perfectly ripened berries, currants and a pronounced chocolaty richness. This is a well-structured wine, defined by grace and balance, with a firm backbone yet is elegant and approachable.