Napa Valley had a brilliant growing season in 2014 and produced many blockbuster wines. This isn’t one of them. This Cab harkens back to the days when Cabernet Sauvignon had lift and freshness and vibrancy and heaven forbid some savory elements that distinguish it as Cabernet Sauvignon, the noblest of all grape varieties. We start with exceptional vineyards, The Farella Vineyard in Coombsville & The Vare Vineyard at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains, two of Napa’s naturally cool spots. Picked earlier than most Napa grapes, these were picked at peak ripeness while they were still loaded with natural acidity. Gently crushed and fermented with indigenous yeasts with judicial extraction, only old French Oak is used so that the wine is a real product of where it was grown rather than where the barrels were coopered.

A classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that has all of the trademark cassis, cedar and pencil lead that you would expect, but this medium-weight beauty has tension and lift and freshness. Is it possible to get all of those classic elements in a refreshing and classically styled Napa Wine? The answer is yes… this 2014 blends older vines from the Farella Vineyard & the Vare Vineyard, two sites that have produced vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon for many decades in the Napa Valley. This one is just right, full and deep while staying relatively light on its feet.