Certified Sustainable, Organic or Biodynamic Green Certified

Region: America / California / Napa Valley

Dancing Bear Ranch is an extraordinary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the Dancing Bear Ranch Estate Vineyard on Howell Mountain. Divided into 24 separate blocks based on varietal type, sun exposure, soil profile, and clonal selection, the vineyard is planted in dry, rocky, volcanic soils between 1,400 and 1,900 feet of elevation and enjoys a near 360-degree exposure, offering a diverse range of growing conditions. The well-drained soils and position high above the fog line routinely stresses the vines, yielding small crops of intensely flavorful grapes. Fermentation and maceration are carefully managed to monitor tannin levels and limit over-extraction of the small berries with intense mountain character. Free-run component wines are aged in French oak barrels and subsequently blended, for a total of 22 months in 62% new French oak prior to bottling.

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• vineyard details +
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    Dancing Bear Ranch Vineyard

    Acquired in 1999, Dancing Bear Ranch consists of 28 vineyard acres on Howell Mountain in northern Napa Valley, from which a single-vineyard red wine is produced. The vines are rooted into shallow, rocky soils at 1,450 to over 1,600 feet above sea level. With its near 360-degree exposure, the site offers a wide range of growing conditions.

• about the grape +
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    Cabernet Franc

    Cabernet Franc usually shows tart red cherry and wild currant aromas and flavors with an herbal, spicy character. In the Loire, esp. Chinon and Saumur-Champigny, this grape shows firm minerality.

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    Cabernet Sauvignon

    Cabernet Sauvignon is adaptable to various growing conditions, and is known for its low yield and late ripeness. It generally produces full-bodied wines with substantial acidity and tannins.

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    Merlot

    Merlot makes plump, succulent wines to drink young or opulently massive wines for aging. Has silky, blackberry and currant fruit, with spice, earth, tobacco and chocolate notes, and soft tannins.